Former Players: Hérisson in Montluçon, Katongo in Libya

After a few months of uncertainty, Aurélien Hérisson managed to find a new destination, as he signed a contract for the EDS Montluçon (CFA2, 5th division). Released from Rennes as his aspirant contract expired, the French-Brazilian goalkeeper was looking for a new challenge. Following a pre-season camp with the UNFP->breve3915], Herisson was tried by Montluçon during a friendly against Bourges, and subsequently offered a contract. EDS Montluçon will start their season on August 22nd against Châteauroux’s reserve. Of all Academy graduates that were not offered a contract by Rennes, only Gilles Manier remains to find a club: Hicham M’Laab signed for Pau (CFA) and Yoann Pivaty for La Vitréenne (CFA)

As for former Rennes midfielder Felix Katongo (picture), he agreed on terms with Al Alittihad Tripoli SC. After spell in the Gambian (Green Buffaloes FC), South African (Jomo Cosmos FC) and Angolan (Petro Luanda) leagues, he joins the six-time defending Libyan champion. Arrived in Rennes in January 2008, Katongo signed a two and a half year contract with the ambition to make his mark in European football. His spell in Brittany turned into a nightmare however, and he only played five games with the “Rouge et Noir”.

Loaned to Châteauroux (Ligue 2) in October 2008, the little Zambian seemed to attract misfortunes: He strained a muscle the very day he arrived in the Indre. Christian Sarramagna, who had recruited him, resigned soon as a manager, and his replacement, Dominique Bijotat, decided to keep him out of all professional squad and Reserve training sessions. Back in Rennes in summer 2009, he agreed on a contract termination with the club’s management and joined South African team Mamelodi Sundowns FC, managed by Bulgarian legend and former Ballon d’Or Hristo Stoichkov. A year later, the Zambian globe-trotter will try to give his career a new boost in Libya.