PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Wednesday it had signed midfielder Jojea Kwizera to a multi-year contract extension. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 25-year-old Rwandan international joins a growing core of original RIFC players who will return for a third season with the Ocean State club in 2026. He currently ranks seventh in club history with 64 appearances and sixth with 4,649 minutes across all competitions, has logged five goals in his RIFC career and sits third all-time with eight assists.

Over the past campaign, Kwizera netted two goals, both of which were game-winners. He scored in RIFC’s USL Jägermeister Cup group stage win vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on May 17 to give the Amber and Blue their first win against the Hounds, before converting from the spot in RIFC’s 1-0 win at Miami FC on Sept. 19 to give RIFC an important win that helped secure its second-straight playoff berth.

“Jojea has been with us from the beginning and continues to be an important piece of our squad,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “He adds speed and creativity to the attack, and we are excited to have him continue with us in 2026.”

On the international stage, Kwizera leads all RIFC players with eight senior call-ups in the last two seasons. Kwizera has scored two goals in 15 career appearances for his native Rwanda, playing an essential role in The Wasps’ qualifying campaigns for the 2024 African Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Before signing with Rhode Island FC, Kwizera spent the first two seasons of his professional career with Major League Soccer side CF Montréal, playing 407 minutes across 12 regular season appearances. Prior to his time in Montréal, Kwizera spent time playing at the collegiate level at both Utah State University Eastern and Utah Valley University.