Kirehe FC head coach Hamis ‘Kishi’ Sogonya has admitted that his first priority is to build a team strong enough to compete in national football league beyond the 2016/17 campaign that kicks off on October 14, which will be the club’s debut in the topflight division.

The veteran tactician was appointed to lead the league’s new entrants, over a month ago and while speaking to Sunday Times, he revealed his priorities ahead of the season start.

He says, "First and foremost, we need to build a strong side before the league starts, a team that will compete with big teams. It is a new club but we need to stay in the top division, which is why we have to work extremely hard in every aspect in order to be able to achieve our goals.”

"Last week, we managed a draw against Police FC (in pre-season friendly) and I believe with time and more preparations and squad strengthening, we’ll have a team that can stay in national league beyond its first season,” he added.

The former AS Kigali and SC Kiyovu coach added that his first aim is to stay in the first division and later will start to think on how they can possibly "win trophies.” Kishi won the Peace Cup title with Les Citadins (now AS Kigali) in 2001.

"It is going to be tough in first season but I believe we can stay in this league. It’s my responsibility to instill this confidence in the players to make them believe in themselves. Confidence is very important in every sport but particularly football,” the ex-Espoir FC coach noted.

The Eastern Province-based club has signed several new players, including; forward Ibrahim Ndikumasabo 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.

Kirehe and Pepiniere FC will replace AS Muhanga and Rwamagana City FC, who were relegated last season.

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