Musanze FC has announced the indefinite suspension of their defender, Shafiki Bakaki, following allegations of misconduct during the match against Vision FC on December 30, 2024, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
In an official statement, the club management
expressed disappointment with Bakaki’s behavior, which they described as a
breach of the core values of Musanze FC, including integrity, respect,
teamwork, and professionalism. The statement emphasized that his conduct was
deemed "inappropriate and unprofessional," which could not be
tolerated within the team.
Bakaki received a formal letter on January 2,
2025, notifying him of his suspension. The letter explained that he would not
return to play until a final decision is made. The club clarified that the
suspension was intended to give Bakaki time to reflect on his actions and take
steps to correct his behavior.
Although the management did not provide
detailed information about the specific incident, reliable sources suggest that
Bakaki’s lax effort in defending during the third goal scored by Vision FC
played a significant role in the decision. During the match, Bakaki reportedly
failed to clear a high ball, which allowed Vision FC’s striker Idarus Cyubahiro
to capitalize and score.
Further reports reveal that upon the team's
return to Musanze, Bakaki claimed he was unwell and requested an ambulance to
take him to the hospital. This incident added to the club's concerns about his
commitment and professionalism.
Bakaki received the suspension letter on the
morning of Friday, January 3, 2025, during a training session he had attended.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions
among fans and analysts, with some questioning its potential impact on the
team’s performance in upcoming fixtures. Nevertheless, Musanze FC’s management
has maintained that maintaining discipline and upholding the club’s values
remain their top priority.
It remains to be seen whether Bakaki will
reflect on his actions and earn his way back into the squad or if this
suspension marks the beginning of a permanent separation.