Rosenborg, Energie Cottbus show interest in Karekezi

Two top European clubs Rosenborg and Energie Cottbus are set to battle for the signature of Amavubi Stars skipper Olivier Karekezi, Times Sport has established. Norwegian champions Rosenborg and German Bundesliga side Energie Cottbus have already contacted relegation bound Norwegian side Hamarkameratene about the player’s availability when the Norwegian season ends on November 2. Though an e-mail, the former APR striker said, “There are two clubs currently talking to officials of Ham Kam (his current club) for a possible transfer deal but don’t know yet how far the talks have gone.” “Ham Kam spent a lot of money (not mentioned) in bid to sign me from Helsingborg last season and they are willing to sell me for a profit,” Karekezi confirmed. The national team captain says he’s not bothered about playing in Norway’s second division but will be in position to decide his future at the end of the season. “I have scored five goals for Ham Kam in what has been a frustrating season, something which could help me join a better club at the end of this season,” Karekezi said. Playing as an attacking midfielder or forward, Karekezi signed for Swedish side Helsingborg IF in 2005, leaving his native club APR. He scored five goals in 18 matches during the 2005 season. In 2006, he scored 11 goals for Helsingborg and thereby, became their top scorer in Allsvenskan before committing to a hefty transfer deal to Hamarkameratene this year. Rosenborg Ballklub (RBK) is currently standing fourth in the Tippeligaen table with 38 points in 23 league fixtures played this season. With 20 league titles and nine Norwegian Cup (Norwegian Championship) titles, the club is the most successful in Norway, and has dominated Norwegian football since the start of the 1990s. FC Energie Cottbus is 16th on the Bundesliga table with five points in seven fixtures played this season. Karekezi, who has enjoyed success with Amavubi Stars during the 2010 WC, CAN qualifying campaign has had a poor season at Ham Kam, who are bottom on the table with 18 points in 23 league fixtures are relegation bound. Ham Kam are remaining with three fixtures against FC Lyon Olso (October 19), Viking Stavanger (October 26) and Molde FK (November 2). Ends

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Rosenborg, Energie Cottbus show interest in Karekezi