National football league side Sunrise FC have relocated from Rwamagana to Nyagatare District where the club will be based permanently starting with the 2016/17 season.

The club, which made its topflight debut in the 2014/15 season under the sponsorship of the Eastern Province, has been hosting their home matches at Rwamagana Police ground for the past two seasons.

However, after successful talks with Nyagatare District authorities, Sunrise FC, which finished fourth on their debut and eighth last season, will now move 102km further away to Nyagatare and will be playing their home matches at Muvumba ground located in the center of Nyagatare town.

Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview, Sunrise FC president Bosco Ndugutse revealed that the decision to transfer the club was taken at the end of last season after the Province executive committee decision that the club be taken over by Nyagatare District.

"Most districts in the Eastern Province have teams except Gatsibo, Kayonza and Nyagatare so when this decision was taken, Nyagatare expressed interest in taking over the club, so effective this coming season, Sunrise FC belongs to Nyagatare District,” said Ndungutse.

Kirehe District has Kirehe FC, Rwamagana has Rwamagana City FC (second division), Bugesera has Bugesera FC, Ngoma with Etoile de L’est (second division), which leaves only Gatsibo and Kayonza districts without football clubs.

Since finding a new home in Nyagatare, Sunrise FC have been involved in a total squad overhaul, including appointing a Nigerian Andrew Ibeh as the new head coach on a two-year contract and signing several new players. Ibeh replaced Sosethene Habimana, who has moved to Musanze FC.

The club has so far signed 13 new players, among them Nigerian trio of strikers Alex Orofomol from Wikki Tourist FC and Samson Babuwa from Taraba FC plus attacking midfielder Romeo Ojenuwa from Giwa FC, all on a two-year contract.

Others are; goalkeeper Gahungu Habarurema (Marine FC), midfielder Leo Uwambajimana (Rayon Sports), left-back Gad Niyonshuti (SC Kiyovu), center-back Sencel Manzi (Musanze FC), left-back Yannick Bucyebucye (APR FC), midfielder Abdallah  Musa (Lydia Ludic, Burundi).

Also new at the club is right-winger Mamadou Mbazumutima (Espoir FC), center-backs Clever Shyaka (Etoile de L’est), Pacifique Iradukunda (Nyagatare) and striker Etienne Rugamba (Karenge football training center).

editorial@newtimes.co.rw