APR sign seven Isonga players

THIRTEEN-TIME league champions APR FC have completed signing seven of the 16 players who were released by Isonga FC for undisclosed fees.APR, who have been heavily criticized for overly relying on foreign players, have bolstered their squad with home grown talent ahead of the new season, which is slated to kick off on September 22.The six players from Isonga include skipper Emery Bayisenge, left back François Hakizimana, right back Michel Rusheshangoga, midfielder Eric Nsabimana, and strikers Isaac Muganza, Jacques Cyubahiro, Farouk Saifi Ruhinda.According to APR Secretary General Adolphe Kalisa, the club has also completed the signing of Muganza’s twin brother Isaiah Songa from Sec Academy. All players have signed two year-deals.Last week, the army side signed striker Andrew Buteera from Proline, Hamdan Bariyanga from Etincelles and Tumaine ‘Titi’ Ntamuhanga from archrivals Rayon Sport.“We are happy to announce the signing of the seven players from Isonga, who have all signed twoyear contracts and hope they will improve and become even better players not only for APR but for the national team as well,” Kalisa told Times Sport.He added, “We do not want to put too pressure on them because they’re still young. They will need to play many games together and get used to competing at a high level, which will give them more experience.” “After so many years of relying on (expensive) foreign players, the time has come to start promoting our young players and give them a chance to play at the highest level and we hope they will be good signings for APR,” Kalisa explained.OpportunitiesIn the past, APR has not only been criticised for using so many foreign players and retarding careers of young Rwandan players on their books, but also denying those young local players opportunities to go for professional trials. However, Kalisa said that has changed and if any club from Europe or anywhere else shows interest in any of the young players, they (APR) are ready to do business. “We have clauses in their contracts that allow any of our players to go out for professional trials without any problem.”“Our objective is to develop these young players and give them enough time to gain more experience and also find for them professional clubs in Europe,” the APR SG noted. Isonga have retained just a handful of the players from last season, including; Shadad Nsengayire, Abdoul Sibomana, Justin Mico, and Eugène Habyarimana. The rest of the released players have either already signed for other top flight clubs or are still in talks.Striker Hamidu Ndayisaba has already joined AS Kigali in a two-year deal, while SC Kiyovu signed defenders Héritier Turatsinze and Steven Ntalibi.Rayon Sport are still negotiating with Isonga for goalkeeper Marcel Nzarora, while defender Faustin Usengimana has returned to the Blues having come through the club’s youth ranks.

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APR sign seven Isonga players