BCR, one of Rwanda’s leading commercial banks has announced that it has ended its sponsorship deal with Rwanda’s top golfer, Emmanuel Ruterana.

Reliable sources report that the deal between BCR and Ruterana, said to be worth more than Frw 4m to the golfer, had lasted for two years.

Ruterana signed a one-year contract with the bank soon after joining the paid ranks in February 2007.At the beginning of last year; he signed a one-year extension which ran out last December.

"We are not renewing his contract because we are trying to move into something new but we believe that the bank’s support to Ruterana has been worthwhile.

"We appreciate the fact that he has taken the sport to a whole new level during this period and we want to wish him the best,” BCR’s marketing manager Vivian Kayitesi said.

However, with the prestigious Sunshine tour round the corner, the 27-year-old is optimistic that something will fall through soon rather than later.

"I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I have spoken to the Kigali Golf Club captain (Marcel Byusa) so we just have to wait and see,” he said before conveying his gratitude to BCR for the support.

"I have enjoyed being a part of the bank’s dramatic product evolution. We’ve had a lot of fun together. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties” he continued.

Ruterana is one of two professional golfers in Rwanda; the other being Jean Baptiste Hakizimana, who joined the paid ranks last July. Hakizimana, 19 is bankrolled by MTN Rwanda.

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