Rwanda international defender Imanishimwe Emmanuel ‘Mangwende’ has completed a move to Chennaiyin FC, joining the Indian top-flight side from Cypriot club AEL Limassol on a two-year deal. Chennaiyin FC officially announced the signing on Monday night, August 10, 2026, welcoming the experienced left-back as part of their squad for the new season. Speaking after completing the move, Imanishimwe expressed his excitement about joining the club and said he is determined to help Chennaiyin compete for major honours. “I am very happy to join Chennaiyin FC and be part of the team this season. I lik

Rwanda international defender Imanishimwe Emmanuel ‘Mangwende’ has completed a move to Chennaiyin FC, joining the Indian top-flight side from Cypriot club AEL Limassol on a two-year deal. Chennaiyin FC officially announced the signing on Monday night, August 10, 2026, welcoming the experienced left-back as part of their squad for the new season. Speaking after completing the move, Imanishimwe expressed his excitement about joining the club and said he is determined to help Chennaiyin compete for major honours. “I am very happy to join Chennaiyin FC and be part of the team this season. I like the project of the club and I have the same ambitions. It is about competing in every game and winning no matter what,” he said. The Rwandan defender added that he hopes the club’s supporters will remain close to the team throughout the campaign. “We want our fans to stay close to us throughout the season. I know we have something special to give them, and I am looking forward to sharing this journey with them.”

A new challenge in India

Imanishimwe joins a Chennaiyin FC side with a strong history in Indian football. The club have won the Indian top-flight championship twice, in the 2014–15 and 2017–18 seasons. However, Chennaiyin endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing 13th among 14 teams, and will be looking to make a significant improvement in the upcoming season. For Imanishimwe, the move represents an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult two-year spell at AEL Limassol. The defender struggled for regular playing time, particularly after suffering an injury during his first season at the Cypriot club.

Experienced Rwanda international

The 30-year-old is a familiar figure in the Rwanda national team, Amavubi, where he primarily operates at left-back. He made his international debut in 2016 and has since established himself as one of Rwanda’s experienced defenders. Imanishimwe began his professional career with Aspor FC before spending two seasons at Rayon Sports. He later joined APR FC, who facilitated his move abroad to Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat. After his time in Morocco, he continued his career in Europe with AEL Limassol before now embarking on a new chapter in India. His arrival at Chennaiyin FC is expected to add experience and defensive strength to the squad as the club targets a stronger campaign in the Indian top flight.

Imanishimwe Emmanuel ‘Mangwende’ has joined Chennaiyin FC on a two-year deal after leaving AEL Limassol.

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