Rayon in race to sign Bugesera FC star Elijah Ani
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Bugesera FC red-hot striker Ani Elijah is in talks with Rayon Sports to see how he can join the Blues. Courtesy

Bugesera FC red-hot striker Ani Elijah is reportedly leading the list of Rayon Sports transfer targets as club looks to beef up squad ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.

Officials at the club admit that the Blues’ trophy-less season was down to an ‘average squad’ which made it impossible for the club to vie for top honours, prompting the likes of skipper Kevin Muhire to urge the club management to buy new players after an unimpressive campaign.

Times Sport understands that the 2022/23 Peace Cup winners have opened talks with Elijah who has had an incredible debut season at Bugesera FC who are a win away from winning their first ever Peace Cup trophy.

The Blues have since emerged in pole position to secure the Nigerian striker’s services in addition to Police midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Kiyovu midfielder Olivier Seif Niyonzima who are also on the club’s radar.

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One of the insiders in Rayon Sports told Times Sport that they are in talks with the players as they want to build strong team which can compete for both the league title and Peace Cup next season.

"For us, we want to build a team that can again challenging for titles and to have that team you need to sign the best players in and outside of the country,” the source said.

"The target to have a better team than this season and I can assure you that these players, if signed, will give us the strength to perform well. And this is why we are required to embark on extraordinary signings,” the source said.

Ani currently leads the Primus National League scoring charts with 15 goals and equals the goals tally with APR FC striker Victor Mbaoma.

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Rayon also wants to finally sign Hakizimana after trying to lure him on several occasions in the past. Hakizimana, who scored seven league goals this season, is in his final days of his contract at Police FC and he is reportedly open to leaving the club at the end of the season.

The club also approached Olivier Seif Niyonzima over a possible return to the club after six years.

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Reports indicate that Rayon Sports contacted the midfielder over a return to the club but he has not agreed the terms and conditions to join the club as negotiations continue.

Niyonzima previously played for Isonga, APR, Rayon Sports, AS Kigali and he is currently playing for SC Kiyovu.