Young Africans part ways with Amavubi skipper Niyonzima

Rwanda national football team (Amavubi) skipper Haruna Niyonzima was on Monday axed by Tanzanian Premier League reigning champions Young Africans. The announcement was made by the club media officer, Jerry Muro in a press conference on Monday morning in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The five-time CECAFA Kagame Cup champions Young Africans Sports Club officially terminated Niyonzima’s contract a year before it was due to expire next year in May, according to reports from Dar-es-Salaam, the playmaker was laid off due to misconduct In a club statement, Young Africans said vice-captain Niyonzima has tested the club’s patience enough and they can no longer afford his indiscipline and off-field antics that have seen him miss some crucial games this season. On top of contract termination, the club also wants the midfielder to pay $35,000 as compensation for breach of contract and development costs incurred in renewing his contract. The 27-year-old failed to return to Jangwani, club base in Dar es Salaam on time after featuring for Amavubi Stars in the recent CECAFA Cup in Ethiopia. Yanga alleges that CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup does not feature in FIFA calendar and hence Niyonzima’s absence was not authorized. The club further noted they were incensed with Niyonzima’s refusal to write a statement of defense or apology letter to the disciplinary committee hence decided to part ways with the influential playmaker with immediate effect. Times Sport repeatedly tried to reach sensational midfielder Niyonzima on his known cell phone for a comment, but he could not respond. Niyonzima joined the Tanzanian giants four years ago and has since been a key member of Tanzanian giants. He guided the club to two CECAFA Kagame Cup trophies in 2011, 2012 and 3 Tanzanian Premier League titles in 2011, 2013, 2015. Niyonzima joined Yanga from APR which he featured for four years (2007-2011) and helped the military side to win three league titles, three Peace Cup crowns and one CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2010. The midfielder started his career in Etincelles before joining Rayon Sports. He made his senior international debut for Rwanda in 2007 and has appeared in several FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.