Azam Rwanda Premier League champions Rayon Sports are set to appoint former Rwanda international Olivier Karekezi as their head coach on a two-year deal subject to extension, according to the club president, Denys Gacinya.

The former APR striker replaces Djuma Masudi, who resigned early this month after guiding the Blues to the eighth league title.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, Gacinya confirmed that an agreement with the Sweden-based 34-year old, has been reached and is expected in the country "soon” to sign the contract that will see him at the until the end of 2018/19 season.

"It’s true we have appointed Karekezi on a two-year contract but it will depend on how he performs, if he does well it will be extended or it will be terminated if it doesn’t go according to plan,” said Gacinya.

Gacinya also confirmed that the team will start pre-season training on July 25 and Karekezi, who is still in Sweden, is expected join later.

But he revealed that Karekezi will be assisted by his former Amavubi teammates Hamad ‘Katauti’ Ndikumana, who has been an assistant coach at Musanze FC and Ramadhan Nkuzingoma, who will be the goalkeeping coach.

Gacinya added that, "We believe he has all the capacity to maintain the club on top level, he is currently the most qualified Rwandan coach with UEFA A License, he has been coaching in Sweden and last year he was named the Youth U-17 Coach of the year and above all he played football at the top level.”

This will be Karekezi’s first senior managerial career and will have a lot to prove at a club like Rayon Sports that will not only be seeking to retain the league title but also do well in Peace Cup as well the CAF Champions League.

Former Burundi captain Masudi announced his departure from Rayon Sports after one and half seasons in charge during which he led the club the Peace Cup in 2016 and the league crown last term.

His resignation came three months after the club suspended him in April for a week following their exit from this season’s CAF Confederation Cup at the hands of Nigeria’s Rivers United over what the club described as ‘inappropriate conduct.’

Karekezi, who scored 25 goals from 53 appearances for Rwanda, announced retirement from international football about three years ago.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw