Rwanda international Emery Bayisenge departed Kigali on Wednesday afternoon where he is expected to complete a two-year deal with Bangladesh Premier League side Saif Sporting Club. The former Isonga and APR central defender joins Saif Sporting Club after six months without a club since last June when he parted company with Morocco second tier side Jeunesse Sportive d’El Massira. From the Moroccan club, Bayisenge was reported to have joined Algerian giants USM Alger but the defender was rejected by the club’s coaching staff, saying that the player was “not fit enough”. The 25-year old has been in the country since last September. Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview before his departure, Bayisenge said that he looked forward to signing the contract and getting to work his new teammates. “I look forward to meeting my new teammates, and working hard to help the team to succeed. I am excited about the move,” he said. It is reported that Bayisenge was signed in excess of USD 26,000 and will be earning USD10,000 as a monthly salary. This publication also understands that it is former Amavubi coach Johnny McKinstry who helped the defender to secure the deal with Saif Sporting Club. The Irishman, 33, is the current head coach of the Bangladeshi side. Bayisenge was one of the most influential players in Amavubi during McKinstry’s tenure as head coach. He is best remembered for guiding hosts Rwanda to quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament. Regarded as one of the best defenders of the last decade the country has produced, Bayisenge ended his five-year stint with APR in September 2016 to join KAC de Kénitra in Morocco. Bayisenge captained the U17 Amavubi starlets that competed at the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, and has since rose through the ranks rapidly, making his full Amavubi debut in 2012. The celebrated center-back has 37 international caps to his name. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
