FERWAFA clears players on contentious transfers

Rwandan Football Federation, (FERWAFA), has cleared a number of contentious transfers that had been raised by some Azam Rwanda Premier League clubs following the closure of the transfer window on September 9. Young goalkeeper Hategikimana was one of the players whose transfer was under contention. (File) Following the closure of the transfer market, all clubs submitted their squad lists to the federation for the players to be licensed, it was realized that some clubs included same players all claiming to have signed them. In an exclusive interview with Times Sport, the head for FERWAFA’s Competitions Commission, Albert Mwanafuzi explained that three clubs namely; Rayon Sports, SC Kiyovu and Sunrise FC had raised complaints regarding doubled registered players. Rayon Sports and Kiyovu were contesting for two former Isonga FC starlets including goalkeeper Bonheur Hategikimana and left winger Savio Dominic Nshuti—with each club claiming rightful ownership of the duo. While Sunrise appealed over Burundian center back Fiston Munezero who was being claimed by Rayon. “We held talks with the respective clubs and the decisions were made under mutual consent and fair play and each was satisfied by the outcome,” said Mwanafuzi. According to Mwanafuzi, Hategikimana remained at Kiyovu although he had signed for Rayon at first from Isonga but the club failed to pay the agreed money in time hence Kiyovu taking advantage. Nshuti also remained with Rayon because the club signed him as a free agent although Kiyovu claimed to have loaned the player to Isonga FC and wanted him back after his release. But the player himself made a choice to sign for Rayon Sports, who however were ordered by FERWAFA to pay a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Kiyovu in compensation for grooming him through their academy. Meanwhile, Sunrise FC and Rayon also reached a mutual agreement over Burundi international Munezero, who had initially agreed in principle to sign for the former, but only to change his mind and sign for the latter, who acted fast to secure his release from his former club. Mwanafunzi explained that the cases of players signing for two different clubs are a result of majority of local players not having agents to work on their behalf in a professional manner. editorial@newtimes.co.rw