Gicumbi eager to avoid last season’s strugglers, says head coach Okoko

After surviving relegation on the final day of last season, Gicumbi FC has signed nine new players ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, which is scheduled for start on September 29. The new players include; defender Ombeni Yango and forward Alimans Hakizimana from Mukura, midfielder Hussein Ndarubu from relegated Pepiniere FC as well as defender Abouba Sibomana from Bugesera FC. Others are; forwards Chadrac Kwizera from Marines FC, Sultan Mutabazi from Etincelles, Eric Nzitonda and Dany Sewava from Ugandan Premier League side Soana FC. Meanwhile, team captain Olivier Uwingabire has signed a two-year contract extension. “Following the strugglers of last season, we needed to do something in terms of strengthening the squad; we don’t want to go through the similar bad experience,” head coach Godfroid Okoko told Sunday Sport. Former Amgaju FC and Mukura VS coach noted that, “We have signed experienced players from the league and one from Uganda; we hope the new players will adapt quickly enough and will be ready for the opening day of the season.” The Gicumbi-based club will kick off their league campaign against Espoir FC at Stade de Gicumbi on September 30. Okoko’s team survived the drop on the last day despite losing to the already relegated Pepiniere 3-1 at home but other results went in their favour, including SC Kiyovu’s loss to champions Rayon Sports. Gicumbi FC finished on 14th in the 16-team league table place with 28 points, one above relegated SC Kiyovu, who immediately returns to the topflight league after Isonga FC withdrew from playing in the first division. Gicumbi finished 11 points ahead of bottom side Pepiniere FC. editorial@newtimes.co.rw