Oakland Roots Sports Club signed midfielder Irakoze Donasiyano ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. Donasiyano was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania and now represents his homeland of Burundi at the senior national level.
“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.”
The 24-year old moved to the United States in 2007 settling with his family in Roanoke, Virginia. Donasiyano would go on to attend the University of Virginia from 2017-2020 making 65 appearances for the Cavaliers. Following graduation and a standout college career, Donasiyano was selected 20th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC. Donasiyano would make one appearance for the MLS side, being loaned to the USL Championship in both 2021 and 2022 to OKC Energy and Phoenix Rising respectively. In November of 2022 Donasiyano made his first appearance for the Burundi National team against Ivory Coast.
Welcome to Oakland, Irakoze.
