Muhadjiri Hakizimana has admitted ‘it still feels surreal’ after completing his record move to Emirates Football Club, in the United Arab Emirates, last week.

The former APR forward was signed for $300,000 (about Rwf274 million), making him Rwanda’s most expensive player in history.

"It still feels like a dream,” he told Times Sport in a telephone interview on Sunday.

The 25-year-old added: "After signing, I am now buzzing to get started and meet my new teammates. I believe this [move] will be a steppingstone to a great future ahead.”

It is reported that the player will earn a monthly $17,000 (Rwf14.4m) salary plus match bonuses and accommodation facilitation.

"I have been scoring goals in Rwanda, so hopefully I can do it with my new club too. I will give my best in trying to be a good team player and contribute, as much as I can, to the success of the team,”added the former SC Kiyovu, Mukura and Etincelles forward.

"Obviously, it’s a pro club. It is a big challenge, but I am confident I will adapt quickly and take my football to a higher level.”

Hakizimana has consistently been one of the best players in local football for the last four years, since joining APR from AS Kigali, and was named the player the 2017/18 season after inspiring the army side to their record-extending 17th league title.

Hakizimana, who also plays for Amavubi, joined AS Kigali from Mukura Victory Sports in July 2016 but was a week later snapped up, reportedly on season-long loan, by APR, before making the move permanent at the end of the season.

The star forward hails from a family of renowned footballers in the country such as former APR midfielder Abdul Sibomana, Amavubi skipper Haruna Niyonzima, as well as Djihad Bizimana.

Last season, he scored 15 goals in the Azam Rwanda Premier League. 

editor@newtimesrwanda.com