Uganda full back Shafik Batambuze has penned a two-year pre-contract deal to join Tanzania Premier League newbies Singida United from Kenyan Premier League giants Tusker FC.
Batambuze, 22, will link up with new moneybags of Tanzania football at the end of the current KPL season later this year.
The new TPL season (2017/18) will kick-off in August this year.
Singida’s Secretary General Abraham Sima confirmed the deal was sealed yesterday in Nairobi.
“Our Director Festo Sanga was in Nairobi yesterday to finalize the talks,” Sima told Soka25east.com through the phone.
Tusker media officer Diana Yonah could not confirm the news, “I am not aware of such talks, Batambuze still has a contract with us till next year.”
Batambuze joined KPL in 2012 – signing for Muhoroni Youth from Ugandan side Simba.
He has also played for Western Stima and Sofapaka in the Kenyan topflight.
Last year he helped Tusker, then under Ugandan tactician Paul Nkata, to win the league and end Gor Mahia’s three-year dominance.
His fine form throughout the season earned him a maiden call up to the national team “the Uganda Cranes” and made the final list to the 2017 Gabon AFCON.
Singida United is based in Singida region of central Tanzania. The club is owned by businessman Yusuf Mwandami and is believed to be jointly bankrolled by the area Member of Parliament Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs.
They are coached by Dutchman Hans Van de Pluijm formerly of Yanga SC.
The club has been splashing out in readiness for a new life in the premier league.
Batambuze will join four other internationals at the club already signed including Zimbabwe trio of Elisha Muroiwa, Wisdom Mtasa and Twafaza Kutinyu.
