AFC and Sofapaka chase Burundi’s top star

BY RODGERS ESHITEMI

Kenyan Premier League sides AFC Leopards and Sofapaka are leading the chase for the highly-rated Burundian striker Abdul Fiston Razak.

The 20-year-old forward has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the on-going Gotv Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, attracting interests from top East African clubs including former KPL champions Tusker and Tanzanian giants Yanga and Simba.

Earlier last week, a section of Tanzanian media reported that Yanga officials had flown into Kenya to negotiate with the Lydia Ludic Burundi Académic (LLB Academic) danger man.

Although Razak has been flattered by the top regional club’s interest, he said AFC Leopards and Sofapaka are in pole position to take him.

“Being linked with such big clubs is recognition of my good performance. I have had contacts from all the five clubs, but it’s AFC Leopards’ and Sofapaka’s offers that look good,” said Razak.

“However, I have no history of these two clubs. So, I’ll have to be patient, consult with my agent, family and coaches before making the decision.

“I want a club that can help me progress my career and as far as I am concerned Kenya is my preferred destination because the league is well covered Supersport. My mission is to play in Europe and it’s my hope that the club I will sign for will not cling on me when I get offers,” added the 2012 African Player of the Year (based in Africa) award nominee.

Burundi assistant coach Niyongabo Amars said Razak’s parent club is ready to release him and whoever gets their hands on his signature will have staged a coup.

“He’s got a lot of skills and he will offer a great deal to the club that will sign him. He has spoken to both AFC and Sofapaka officials and as far as I am concerned nobody will stand in his way. Even his club is happy to see him progress,” said Amars.

“But if Razak comes to Kenya, with Supersport’s exposure trust me he won’t last for more than a year,” he observed.

Razak was instrumental in Lydia Ludic’s back to back Burundian League title victories in 2010 and 2011. He went ahead to clinch the golden boot award the following year after scoring a staggering 21 goals in the local league.