Second division club, Sunrise FC, have their eyes fully focused on a return to the top flight league next season. The Nyagatare-based side were relegated to the second division last season, alongside Muhanga FC, after a poor run of results. “Last season was not a good season for our club but we managed to get the team together again to challenge for the title of the second division league and immediately secure a spot in the top flight league next season,” said Frank Kahangwa, the club’s Secretary General. “Our main goal this season is to return to the top flight league because that is where we feel we belong. We have players who can do it,” he added. Kahangwa explained that Sunrise had a disappointing campaign last season as a result of losing star striker Samson Babuwa who left the club for SC Kiyovu. Sunrise struggled to find a perfect replacement for the Nigerian striker who was at the time too difficult for to the club keep after finishing the 2019/20 league season as the top scorer with 15 goals, leaving a big gap in the club’s offensive department. “The club went through a difficult situation last season because we were not able to find a good striker who would fill Babuwa’s shoes. With him, we were able to score goals and having the best attack would help us cope with opponents’ threats defensively,” he explained, adding that the club is doing the best it can to return to the top flight league by the end this season. Sunrise are so far top of Group A with six points after winning both of their past two second division league game including 3-2 victory over archrivals Rwamagana during Sunday’s Eastern Province derby to maintain their perfect start to the second division league campaign. As the club prepare their next game against Nyagatare FC at Nyagatare Stadium on Saturday, November 13, Kahangwa said the team they have is in good shape and determined to win every game to put themselves in a position to fight for the second division league title en route to a return to the premier league. “After recruiting some players to balance our squad in every department, I believe we’ve got a team ready to challenge for the second division and make a comeback to the premier league,” Kahangwa said. A total of nine players namely Jean Paul Itangishatse, Jean de Dieu Nsabimana, Hurcle Ngabo, Celestin Ndayishimiye, Brian Muhinda, Ibrahim Kiiza, Suleiman Mudeyi, Suleiman Manjanjaro and Hood Kawesa left the club before the beginning of the season, making way for Dan Nduwayo from Etincelles, Emmanuel Bwanakweli from SC Kiyovu, Gerard Habagusenga ( Rutsiro FC), Abubakali Kanani and Clever Shyaka ( both Rwamagana City), Djihad Rucogoza ( Bugesera FC), Adolphe Hakizimana ( Marine) and Hassan Mujyanama ( Rugende FC).
