Bugesera FC’s newly appointed head coach Gilbert ‘Yaoundé’ Kanyankore has pledged to build on the recent gains made by the Eastern Province-based side under his predecessor Vincent Mashami. Kanyankore was appointed on Monday in a two-month deal that comes into force in May. Mashami stepped down following his appointment as assistant coach of the national team Amavubi, deputising German Antoine Hey. Bugesera will decide on whether or not to extend the 61-year old’s contract depending on his performance during that period that will cover the remainder of the season. Mashami will start his work with the Amavubi on May 1 and that’s when the former SC Kiyovu, Rayon Sports and APR tactician will take over. “I have been tasked to make sure that we don’t backslide in the remaining fixtures but my personal goal is to ensure that we instead climb up to top positions, the club is now in the sixth place and I want to make sure that we finish in the top four or at least top five and also reach as far as possible in the Peace Cup,” said Kanyakore. The veteran Rwandan coach, who has previously served as head coach in Burundi for many years, including a stint as head coach of Burundi giants Vital’O FC, was in September sacked by APR after just two months on grounds that he had failed his probation. Mashami, who joined Bugesera in July, last year, has presided over the club’s arguably most successful season thus far. They are currently in sixth place with 36 points, having won nine matches and drawn nine others. Kanyankore will be in charge during the last five fixtures, including Musanze FC, Kirehe FC, Pepiniere FC, Etincelles FC and APR FC. Mashami will be Hey’s first assistant coach while Thomas Higiro, of AS Kigali, will be the goalkeepers’ coach. The duo will help Hey in his task to guide Rwanda to next year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be held in Kenya, and the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals due in Cameroon. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
