Rwandan center back Ange Mutsinzi has admitted that he is ready to embrace new challenge with new side Zira FK with whom he will be playing in the UEFA Europa League for the very first time in his career.
The Rwanda international signed a two-year deal with Zira FK in early July. He had one year left on his FK Jerv contract before the Azerbaijani powerhouse triggered his buyout clause for an undisclosed fee to secure his services.
Zira qualified for the Europa League after finishing their domestic league campaign in second place.
The club has now named Mutsinzi in their 22-man squad for the 2024/25 Europa League campaign which will begin with a preliminary round match against Moldovan giants FC Sheriff.
"I am really excited to join this club. It is a new journey, new challenge and new ambitions. I am looking forward to doing the best I can. I have changed my mentality to be at top again and believed in myself. Football is the same everywhere, and this mindset has helped me,” Mutsinzi told Weekend Sport.
ALSO READ: Ange Mutsinzi joins Norwegian side FK Jerv
"I know it will be difficult in such a bigger tournament but I am ready for the new challenge. It is something that came as a blessing to me and I am going to work hard so that I can improve the competitiveness with my new team.”
ALSO READ: Mutsinzi drags CD Trofense to court over unpaid wages
Mutsinzi has been working on improving his level of performance since he left FC for Portuguese third tier side CD Trofense in August 2021. His development impressed Norwegian side FK Jerv who signed him in February 2023 as a free agent after terminating his contract with Trofense who had failed to pay his dues.
Reacting on his move to Zira FK, the former Rayon Sports and APR FC defender said, "I am very happy and proud of myself to reach this level and I have got best my teammates who helped me to adapt who love to work hard together. Right now, there’s nothing more to say about the matches, I will be happy to play this in the Europa League where you face big club,” he admitted
The defender said he is more than thrilled to help his team achieve a lot at Europa League which, is confident, will help his stay maintain his top form enough to help Rwanda in their quest for a dream ticket to the World Cup 2026.
ALSO READ: Mutsinzi drags CD Trofense to court over unpaid wages
"I will keep improving day by day. My objective is to make Rwandans proud by trying to do better in many games. I know it’s not easy, but it is possible.” he added
Mutsinzi is following the footsteps of the likes of former Amavubi star Olivier Karekezi and late Hamad 'Katauti' Ndikumana who previously played Europa League football plying their trade in Helsingborg in Sweden an AEL Limassol in Greece respectively.
Mutsinzi started his senior football journey with AS Muganga before joining Rayon Sports then later APR FC.
Based in the City of Baku, Zira FK, was founded a decade ago. They finished second in the 2023/24 Azerbaijani league and this is going to be their third appearance in the Europa League.