Rutsiro FC have announced the signing of free agent Christophe Bukuru from and striker Eric Kwizera from Burundian topflight side Olympic Star Muyinga FC.

The club struggled for results in the first round of Rwanda Premier League but head coach Godfroid Okoko said the fresh signings highlight the club’s vision of giving chance to the young players while also fighting to bounce back to the top ahead of the league second round.

"We have brought two players to join a group of experienced players which will help the team in the second round of the league campaign and in upcoming years. They will need to compete at the highest level to help us have an impressive campaign,” Okoko said.

Bukuru, who previously played for APR FC, was without a club since his contract with Rayon Sports expired at the end of the 2021/22 season. The midfielder signed a six-month deal with the Western Province-based side.

Rutsiro are 13th on the league table with 13 points, three points above the relegation zone. Okoko was tasked to finish among the top eight in the Rwanda Premier League and he will pray for the duo to play for him to achieve the target.

"It’s important to strengthen our team in preparation for the upcoming second round. They are good players, and signing them is good but they still have to work hard. They will be good for the future; it would help us in the playoffs and upcoming season,” he added.

Known for his hard work and great resilience, the Burundian-born coach transformed Mukura from relegation candidates to title contenders when they were bottom of the league standings during the 2011/12 season and guided them to second place.

His employers at Rutsiro hope the new signings will be key for him to avoid relegation this season.