AFC Leopards rope in Burundian striker Alexis Kitenge
Burundian striker Alexis Kitenge (centre) signs his contract at AFC Leopards offices in Nairobi on May 25, 2017. AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule (left) and Secretary General Oscar Igaida look on. PHOTO | COURTESY |
What you need to know:
- The Burundian put pen-to-paper on Thursday.
- Kizito, who was on the verge of joining reigning champions Tusker, held talks with Leopards Friday evening at the club offices in Nairobi.
Kenyan giants AFC Leopards have completed the signing of Burundian striker Alexis Kitenge on a two-year deal.
While the Burundian put pen-to-paper on Thursday, former Vipers SC player Keziron Kizito, who has been flirting with champions Tusker, discussed terms with the club on Friday evening in Nairobi.
Confirming the development, club’s Organising Secretary Timothy Lilumbi said Kitenge's capture will bolster their ranks as they look to claw their way back in the title race.
“Kitenge is a young striker. He was the top scorer in the just ended Burundian league and has been through his club’s academy meaning he has the know-how to give us what we want,” Lilumbi said.
“We needed a lethal striker and in Kitenge we are sorted. With Kizito, he is also young, at just 19, he will be key to our ambitions in the remaining league matches.”
The former Burundian Ligue A side Athletico Olympic marksman Kitenge told Nation Sport he is confident of adapting to the huge demands of the SportPesa Premier League.
“I have trained with the team for the past four days and I see where I will fit. There’s competition in my position but I trust my ability,” the striker said.
Athletico Olympic finished second with 60 points, eight behind champions LLB Academic.
The Burundian will compete for places with Ghanaian Gilbert Fiamenyo and Paul Mungai Kiongera who have six goals in between them.
Kitenge will however wait for the midseason transfer window to open on June 1, to have their International Transfer Certificates (ITC) processed.
