After successfully negiogating their way to the top flight, the real battle for the promoted duo of Musanze and Etincelles begins now in the off season when they have to get the right players that will help them stay in the division.

Musanze topped Group A and then saw off Muhanga FC in the playoffs. Muhanga finished second in Group B. Etincelles finished top of Group B and then overcame Military in the playoff for a place in the elite league.

Musanze coach Rafiki Nshiyimana yesterday said that the club is planning a major assault in the transfer market and he needs not less than eight new players before the league starts.

"I am very thankful to the players, who helped the club reach the top flight, but the real challenge is to stay in the division. I want eight new players of top quality to achieve that.

"We have already zeroed in on some players, who were released from their clubs, but I can’t disclose them until they put pen to paper,” Nshimiyimana told Times Sport.

It is the first time that the Northern Province outfit will be playing football in the first division while Etincelles has been regular in the top flight but got relegated in the 2006/7 season.

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