Virslīga champions Riga FC have announced the departure of yet another foreign player ahead of the upcoming season. 28-year-old winger Gauthier Mankenda will leave the club following the expiration of his contract, which the club has opted not to extend.
The DR Congo winger joined Riga FC in the summer of 2023, arriving from FK Liepāja for a transfer fee. Over the span of two and a half seasons, Mankenda quickly became a favourite among neutral fans thanks to his dazzling dribbling ability and flair, which regularly produced highlight-reel moments.
In this championship-winning campaign, Mankenda featured in 28 matches, contributing one goal and nine assists. His overall record in the Riga FC shirt stands at 91 appearances, nine goals, and 26 assist.
Before moving to the Latvian capital, Mankenda enjoyed strong performances with FK Liepāja and previously earned silverware abroad, having been crowned Kosovo champion with FC Prishtina, where he spent seven seasons prior to his move to Latvia.
Mankenda’s exit follows the recently announced departure of another Congolese player, Glody Ngonda Muzinga, who spent four and a half seasons in Rīga.
