Pepiniere Football Club head coach Jean-Baptiste Kayiranga has dramatically resigned from his position after leading the club to their first top flight victory – over Gicumbi – on Sunday. The bottom side snatched their first win of the season after stunning fellow strugglers Gicumbi FC 2-1 at Ruyenzi ground. However, their celebrations did not last long as Kayiranga announced his departure from the club on Monday, with immediate effect. Former Rayon Sports forward Kevin Ishimwe gave Pepiniere the lead in the 5th minute through a penalty after striker Gilbert Mugisha was brought down in the box before Giucumbi’s Rashid Mutebi leveled matters in the 77th minute. A hapless Gicumbi, however, conceded an own goal in the 82nd minute courtesy of Jean de Dieu Uwineza, which handed lowly Pepiniere FC their first ever three points in the top flight football. In an exclusive interview with Times Sport on Monday, Kayiranga, who declined to reveal exact reasons behind his surprise decision, said: “I am quitting because of personal reasons. I have taken the decision and have informed my bosses, they know why I am quitting the club. The fans have been wonderful and I thank my players who really did a good job against Gicumbi”. The development came after last year’s (December) saga when the debutants threatened to withdraw from the league in protest of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA)’s decision to bar the club from hosting matches at their home ground (Ruyenzi turf) over its state. However, they were later allowed to host games. “I need to refresh, maybe for two months, I will decide what to do next but I feel I can carry on with my coaching career,” said the former Amavubi and Rayon Sports coach. Pepiniere are at the bottom with five points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
