Etincelles FC have officially parted ways with head coach Masudi Djuma and his technical assistants following a disappointing run of results that has left the club rooted to the bottom of the Rwanda Premier League table. The decision, announced on Tuesday by the club’s management, marks another major turning point in a turbulent season for the Rubavu-based side.
The announcement came just days after Etincelles FC suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Mukura VS on Matchday 18, a result that further deepened their struggles. With only 11 points from 17 matches, the club remains last on the standings, increasing pressure on the leadership to act swiftly in an effort to avoid relegation.
In its official statement, Etincelles FC confirmed that the coaching staff had been relieved of their duties due to unsatisfactory performance. The club also revealed that Abdou Bizimana, widely known as “Bekeni,” has been appointed as interim head coach, a role he will hold while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Speaking to the media, club secretary Bagoyi Sultan Basul acknowledged that drastic measures were unavoidable given the team’s current position. He emphasized that remaining at the bottom of the table required immediate and concrete action if Etincelles FC were to stand a realistic chance of survival in the top flight.
Basul confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the termination of contracts with the outgoing coaching staff. In the meantime, Bekeni, who currently serves as the club’s Technical Director, has been entrusted with leading the team through a critical phase of the season.
Beyond the poor results, multiple sources within the club point to growing tension inside the dressing room. Reports suggest that relations between Masudi Djuma and several senior players had deteriorated in recent weeks, creating an atmosphere that hindered performance and unity on the pitch.
It is understood that players had raised concerns with club management and expressed reluctance to continue working under the Burundian coach. Faced with the risk of further decline, the leadership opted to intervene before the start of the second half of the season.
Masudi Djuma had joined Etincelles FC in mid-October 2025, signing a one-year contract during a period of instability. He replaced Innocent Seninga, who had left the club shortly after taking charge. Djuma inherited a team that had already been coached for two matches by assistant coach Lomami Marcel, before the latter moved to Rayon Sports.
Despite his short tenure, expectations were high due to Djuma’s reputation in Rwandan football. The experienced Burundian tactician previously guided Rayon Sports to both the Rwanda Premier League title and the Peace Cup, and has also managed AS Kigali and Bugesera FC. His résumé further includes a spell as assistant coach at Simba SC of Tanzania, one of East Africa’s top clubs.
However, Etincelles FC struggled to find consistency under his leadership. Defensive lapses, limited attacking output, and a lack of confidence became recurring issues, leaving the team unable to build momentum even in matches where performances showed improvement.
At present, Etincelles FC’s technical staff has been reduced to only medical personnel and the kit manager, highlighting the scale of restructuring underway. The club is expected to move quickly to appoint a new coaching team, given the importance of the upcoming fixtures.
Bekeni’s appointment is not unfamiliar territory for the club. He previously took charge on an interim basis in March 2022, following the departure of English coach Calum Shaun. Known for his close connection with the squad and deep understanding of the club’s internal dynamics, Bekeni is viewed as a stabilizing figure during times of crisis.
In parallel with the coaching changes, Etincelles FC have also been active in the transfer market as part of their survival strategy. The club recently signed Cameroonian midfielder Assana Nah Innocent, formerly of Rayon Sports, alongside Mwinyi Lody Rodrigue and Nimaga Yacouba. At the same time, two Ugandan players were released as part of the squad overhaul.
These moves underline the club’s determination to reverse its fortunes in the second round of the season. Management believes that fresh legs, combined with renewed tactical direction, could provide the spark needed to escape the relegation zone.
Attention now turns to Etincelles FC’s next league fixture against Musanze FC, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, on Matchday 19 of the Rwanda Premier League. The match is widely seen as a must-win encounter, with points crucial for restoring belief and narrowing the gap to safety.
With pressure mounting and margins for error shrinking, Etincelles FC enter the decisive phase of the season facing both uncertainty and opportunity. Whether the coaching shake-up and squad changes will translate into improved results remains to be seen, but the message from the club is clear: survival is the priority, and complacency is no longer an option.
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