Kigali — Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin has joined the race to sign Rwanda and APR midfielder Haruna Niyonzima, Times Sport has learnt.

APR Secretary General Adolphe Kalisa confirmed the news to Times Sport yesterday that the German club has officially expressed interest in Rwanda's U-20 captain.

"They contacted us by telephone and we told them to make their request official by writing a letter confirming their interest before talks can begin," Kalisa said.

Kalisa added that Niyonzima's move to Germany will depend on the Hertha Berlin's curiosity in the player, who has also attracted interest from Morocco league champions Difaa El Jadida.

Hertha had to fight hard for their victory on day one of the new Bundesliga season on Saturday as they beat Hannover 96 1-0 thanks to an 82nd minute goal by Gojko Kacar.

The former Etincelles player's link to Hertha Berlin comes a few days after his proposed move to Difaa El Jadida failed to materialize last Thursday.

Just like they've done with Hertha Berlin, APR asked Difaa El Jadida to make an official offer for the player.

Niyonzima, who joined the military side in 2007 from rivals Rayon Sport, claims to be a free agent after his two-year contract expired last season, but the league champions have refuted the claims indicating that his contract expires in October.