New Gicumbi FC head coach Afahmia Lotfi has vowed to build a competitive team after arriving in Rwanda to begin his two-year tenure with the Rwanda Premier League club.
The Tunisian coach arrived at Kigali International Airport on Thursday after travel delays forced him to postpone his arrival by a day. He replaces Justin Bisengimana, who recently took over at AS Kigali.
Speaking on arrival, Lotfi said Gicumbi had laid a solid foundation by finishing eighth in the 18-team Rwanda Premier League last season, adding that his goal is to improve the team’s performances while helping develop young talent.
“I want the fans to work together with us so we can build a strong team,” Lotfi said. “Success comes through teamwork involving the club’s leadership, coaches, players, supporters and everyone around the club. I believe we can have a good season.”
Lotfi declined to comment when asked about his reported FIFA case against former club Rayon Sports over an alleged contractual dispute.
The 48-year-old is no stranger to Rwandan football. He previously spent three years in charge of Mukura VS before joining Rayon Sports in 2025. His tenure at Rayon ended early in the season after the club was eliminated in the first qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Gicumbi announced Lotfi’s appointment last month on a contract running until 2028.
He inherits a squad that has already been reinforced ahead of the new campaign with the arrivals of Burundi international goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana, striker Jean Merveille Tuyisenge, defender Eric Ndizeye and winger Leonard Bazira.
