Burundian tactician Juma Masudi is close to signing for Espoir FC as their new head coach on a permanent basis, Times Sports understands.

The Rusizi-based club on Monday, December 19, handed a one-month suspension to head coach Justin Bisengimana based on poor performance and his utterances and he is not likely to return to the club’s touchline after his suspension.

Methode Bipfubusa will take charge of the team's last game for the first round against Gorilla on Wednesday, December 21, after which a substantive coach would be appointed.

A reliable source told Times Sport that talks have started between the club and Masudi as they hope to acquire his services before the second round.

Masudi, 45, last handled Tanzanian outfit Dodoma Jiji before he was relieved of duties on October 10, 2022.

The Burundian is not new in Rwandan football having had his first coaching stint in the country with Rayon during the 2015/2016 season. He had his second spell with the Blues during the 2021/2022 season but he was sacked three months later for poor performance.

He also handled Bugesera FC and AS Kigali.