Olivier Kwizera has become the first Rwandan goalkeeper to play in the South Africa Premier League after signing a two-year contract with Free State Stars FC on Friday.

The 22-year-old Rwanda international completed his move to the club which is based in Bethlehem, Free State after acquiring the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) players intermediaries license (ITC).

Kwizera, whose career started with APR FC youth team before joining Bugesera FC’s two years ago, becomes the first Rwandan to sign a permanent contract with a South African first division club.

Former APR and Amavubi striker Jimmy Gatete was the first Rwandan to play in South Africa, for Maritzburg United during the 2004/5 season, but it was in the second division.

Efforts to reach Kwizera for a comment ended in futility but Free State Stars FC head coach Luc Eymael, who took over the reigns in August, confirmed news of the player’s contract situation.

"Kwizera is now our player, he has received his ITC, and we are sure he will play a huge role in the club’s goalkeeping department,” the former Rayon Sports coach, said.

Kwizera put himself in a good position to earn a contract at Free State Stars after impressingly during his trial period since arriving at the club in July.

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