LEADING strikers Meddie Kagere and Laudit Mavugo were among the first team players who missed the opening training session on Monday when Police FC started preparations for the next season, fueling speculations that the club is resigned to lose the two players.

Reports say Kagere is currently undergoing professional trials with South African club Orlando Pirates, while Mavugo is still in his native Burundi although Police FC bosses are aware of interest in him by an unnamed Algeria first division club.

Kagere scored 14 goals and Mavugo netted 10 times in the Primus League last season, but it appears as though coach Goran Kopunovic is preparing for life without his two stars.After his first training session at FERWAFA grounds, the coach said, "We offered Kagere an improved contract, but he said he wanted to leave”.

"For Mavugo, he still has a contract with us, so I expect him to report for training session on Tuesday (today).  The club is aware of the interest in him from an Algerian club but no one has contacted us.

"Mavugo has a price tag, and if the offer is right, we will let him move on,” stated the Serbian coach, who led Police to second place finish in both the league and MTN Peace Cup last season.For finishing second behind APR in both competitions, Police will represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup next year, the first outing for the club.

"I handed the management board a list of eight players that I want to sign. We have already signed one (Innocent Habyarimana from AS Kigali) and I hope to add to the squad before the start of the season,” added Kopunovic."I don’t like too many changes in my squad, so I will do all I can to keep the current group,” stated the man who still has one year left on his contract.

Other notable first team absentees for the opening session included the Burundian duo of Gilbert Kaze and Moussa Mphizi, midfielder Fabrice Twagizimana and striker Peter Kagabo.But the coach expects them to report for Tuesday’s training. The new season begins on September 15.

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