Newly promoted national football league side, Kirehe FC has completed signing of five new players ahead of the start of the 2016/17 season scheduled to kick off next month.

Head coach Hamiss ‘Kishi’ Sogonya says they are building the team to remain in top division beyond just one season.

The new signings include; forward Ibrahim Ndikumasabo, who signed from AS Muhanga, midfielder Pappy Hassan Habimana and goalkeeper Djuma Nsanganira from SC Kiyovu, striker Fiston Nyamugenda (Espoir) and midfielder Abdul Nshimiyimana from Musanze FC.

"The five players have joined our club and we hope they will make a big difference. We saw them as players who have great potential and will be vital for us in the upcoming campaign and beyond,” said Kishi.

Kirehe FC, under Kishi, who won the Peace Cup title with Les Citadins (now AS Kigali) in 2001, began pre-season training two weeks ago in preparation for the life in the topflight division for the first time in the club’s history.

The former SC Kiyovu coach added, "Our focus is to build a team which can be stable in top division and I believe we can do much better in the national league.”

Kirehe and Pepiniere replace AS Muhanga and Rwamagana City FC, who were relegated following a disappointing campaign for the two sides during the 2015/2016 season.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw