Karekezi set for Al Ahly switch

AMAVUBI Stars skipper Olivier Karekezi is set for a switch to Egyptian side Al Ahly, Times Sport has learnt. The Ham Kam (Norway) mid-fielder cum striker has revealed that a move looks imminent after talks between the two clubs.

Thursday, June 11, 2009
Olivier Karekezi: Returning to Africa.

AMAVUBI Stars skipper Olivier Karekezi is set for a switch to Egyptian side Al Ahly, Times Sport has learnt. The Ham Kam (Norway) mid-fielder cum striker has revealed that a move looks imminent after talks between the two clubs.

"Al Ahly has a good offer for Ham Kam to resist. I have also had talks with Al Ahly and the offer looks good,” he said.

"I’m sure a deal will be finalized before the end of this month,” he added.

Karekezi is pushing for the switch because he believes that a move to the continental club champions will revive his form.

The 26-year-old’s professional career suffered a huge blow when Ham Kam was relegated to the second division at the end of 2008 and the striker can’t wait to move away from the Norwegian side.

"It has been difficult playing in the second division but I think I can revive my football if I move to Egypt,” he reasoned.

The attacking midfielder joined Ham Kam after a three-year stint with Swedish club Helsingborg IF. He joined Helsingborg in 2005 from APR. During his first season in Helsingborg, he scored five goals in 18 matches. He went on to become the club’s top scorer the following year after netting 11 goals.

Karekezi made the decision to leave Helsingborg when the club’s head coach Baxter Stuart threw in the towel after irreconcilable differences with the club’s top hierarchy, which he accused of "repeatedly” forcing him to sell-off top players.

Al-Ahly is the most decorated club in Egypt, having won the Egyptian League thirty-four times and the Egyptian Cup thirty-five times.

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