Burundian striker Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ Shabani re-joined AS Kigali in January 2024 following an unsuccessful stint with Libya outfit Al Ta’awon.
It was a win-win situation for both parties as the Citizens were struggling both financially and on the pitch and they were deeply rooted in the relegation zone. The club needed a potent goal scorer and Hussein was the one they banged their hopes on.
The Burundi international delivered perfectly as he netted some crucial goals which helped the club to get out of the danger zone. They eventually finished the season in 5th position with 45 points. Not a bad finish for a club which was 15th at the end of the first round of the 2023/24 Primus National League campaign.
READ ALSO: Shabani Hussein joins Libyan side Al Taawon
Hussein at the time signed a short-term contract which is expiring within the next 48 hours. Up until now, nothing has been communicated to the striker who is on holidays in Bujumbura in his native Burundi.
"I am a free agent. I haven&039;t received offers yet, but there is still time for that," he told Weekend Sport.
AS Kigali are in serious financial difficulties to the point that the club’s top hierarchy has informed main sponsor, City of Kigali, about their intention to withdraw the club from the 2024/25 topflight football should the City administration fail to bear to not only pay due salaries and recruitment fees in the region of Rwf 150 million but also commit to pay club’s expenditure of Rwf 600 million for the coming season.
Tshabalala is among the top earners at the club due to his huge experience. He was the top scorer in the 2021/22 league season and has carved a niche for himself. From the look of this, Shaban might consider his future elsewhere.
Tshabalala’s potential next destination?
At 33, Hussein is a veteran in the game, he has seen it all in Rwanda and, with his national team experience, he won't be short of suitors. His former clubs Bugesera FC and Amagaju FC are all in need of a striker and no one knows what will happen as the transfer window intensifies.
Again, countries like Iraq and others who fancy experienced players may also be appealing to him.
Burundian champions Vital'O, who will be playing in the CAF Champions League, could also show interest anytime.
Unless AS Kigali becomes financially strong, it is clear that their love affair with Hussein could end when his contract expiring on June 30.