Oakland Roots SC has signed Burundi international Irakoze Donasiyano ahead of the new season, with the 24-year-old having made 14 appearances on loan with Phoenix Rising FC this past campaign. | Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchba
OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots Sports Club announced on Tuesday the club had signed midfielder Irakoze Donasiyano ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Donasiyano was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania and now represents his homeland of Burundi at the senior national level. This past November he made his first appearance for the Burundi National team against Ivory Coast.
The 24-year-old was selected 20th overall in the 2021 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Nashville SC. He made one appearance for the MLS side, while also being loaned to clubs in the USL Championship in both 2021 (OKC Energy FC) and 2022 (Phoenix Rising FC).
“Irakoze is a young talent that we are excited to add to our squad,” said Roots Director of Player Personnel, Nana Attakora. “He can play a number of different positions and brings both pace and composure that fits our style of play.”
Donasiyano moved to the United States in 2007, settling with his family in Roanoke, Virginia. He went on to attend the University of Virginia from 2017-2020 and made 66 appearances for the Cavaliers, recording five goals and eight assists. He was voted to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Third Team after his junior season in 2019.