Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards have signed Rayon Sports left back Emmanuel Imanishimwe and striker Ismailia Diarra, Times Sport has learnt. Malian forward Diarra has signed a year and a half deal while Rwanda’s, Imanishimwe penned a two-year deal. Their contracts with Rayon Sports were supposed to expire at the end of the season. Leopards have been monitoring the Rayon Sports players for some time. The duo will now join their new team next month. AFC Leopards’ former Rayon Sports head coach Ivan Minnaert is a big fun of Diarra, who has scored 13 goals in 25 league games in his first season. “Talks have been going on for quite some time to secure the two, and we now can confirm that we have finally got them. I worked with both players at Rayon Sports, so I know they will bring stability in our team,” Minnaert was quoted by the Kenyan press. Leopards have been struggling for goals this season. As a result, the club has slumped from top to sixth position in the Kenyan Premier League standings after 13 rounds of matches. Imanishimwe, 24, told Times Sport that: “I am happy to sign for a team like Leopards and I am looking forward to the new challenge. I will give my best to get in the first team, I am thankful to Rayon Sports for giving me the chance to show my talent.” Meanwhile, AFC Leopards, one of the oldest and most supported clubs in Kenyan football, have also expressed interest in Rayon Sports’ Rwandan international Savio Dominique Nshuti. It is the first time that Rwandan athletes have qualified for the continental show piece; previously Rwanda has been sending athletes on invitation. The trio is expected to fly to South Africa on June 19. Rwanda has already booked three athletics tickets for the Olympic Games that includes; Jean Baptiste Simukeka, Claudette Mukasakindi and Netherlands-based Ambroise Uwiragiye— who will all compete in full marathon. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
