No more ifs, its now official Vipers Sports Club has completed all documentation related to the acquisition of right back Abdul Karim Niyizigimana Makenzi from Gor Mahia of Kenya.

The roving defender who joins on a free transfer, put pen to paper on a two year renewable contract hence becoming a full Venom until 2021.

Now A Venom: Niyizigimana puts pen to paper for a two-year contract subject to an extension.

Niyizigimana who started his career as a youth at Prince Louis in Burundi ended a successful period at the Kenyan champions in December following four fruitful seasons there.

His senior career started at Vitalo (Burundi) in 2006 from where he moved to APR (Rwanda) in 2008 before Kiyovu Sports snatched him in 2009 enroute to Congolese giants AS Vita where he spent almost the whole of 2010.

Workaholic: Former Gor Mahia defender Niyizigimana was straight away in the mix for training and is in-line for a cameo appearance against SC Villa.

After just a year in Democratic republic of Congo, he returned to Vitalo towards the end of 2010 and Rayon Sports signed him in 2011 however, his spell at the Rwandese club ended in 2015 when he joined Gor Mahia.

He won two league crowns at K’ogalo and one at Rayon Sports as the first choice right back for the vast majority of his time at both clubs and at 29 years, its fair to say more years of his career are still ahead.

Red For Life: Niyizigimana shows off his home kit – a red top – at his unveiling.

The Burundi national team captain, brings with him a winning mentality that often came to the fore during his spell at all the previous clubs where he consistently performed well, he is solid, does spectacular things on the ball and his experience at the top level would benefit the club.

His capture completed Vipers transfer business in January after securing Innocent Wafula and Hamis Kiiza to strengthen an already strong squad.

Home Away From Home: Niyizigimana (C) takes time off to chat with fellow Burundian Fabien Mutombora – the shot stopper – during a training session breather. Listening in is Ugandan forward Abraham Ndugwa (Stepping on the ball).

KARIM’S PROFILE:

  • Full Names: Abdul Karim Niyizigimana Makenzi
  • Date of Birth: June 21, 1989
  • Place of Birth: Bujumbura
  • Age: 29
  • Height: 1,72 m.
  • Playing position: Defender
  • Nationality: Burundian
  • Youth career
  • 2002–2006: Prince Louis FC

Former Clubs:

  • Vital’O FC (Burundi) 2006 – 2008
  • APR (Rwanda) 2008–2009
  • Kiyovu Sports (Rwanda) 2009–2010
  • AS Vita Club (DRC) 2010
  • Vital’O F.C (Burundi) 2010-2011
  • Rayon Sports (Rwanda) 2011-2015
  • Gor Mahia (Kenya) 2015 – 2018

National Team Career:
Burundi: 2007 to date

Achievements:

  • Rwanda Premier League winner: 2012/13 with Rayon Sports.
  • Kenya Premier League winner: 2017 & 2018 with Gor Mahia.