PNL: The Muhajiri show, title race and 5 talking points from Week 12 action
Monday, December 04, 2023
Police FC attacking midfielder Muhajiri Hakizimana with his teammate celebrate his brace against Marine

It was an exciting weekend of football action of the Primus National League whose title race is taking shape after 12 match days.

Overall, not many goals (13) were scored in the weekends while Gorilla FC, Gasogi United and Amagaju FC were the only teams who recorded away wins.

Times Sport takes a look at five talking points from weekend action.

The Hakizimana revolution continues

Muhajiri Hakizimana had his mind set on playing for Iraqi outfit Zakho FC his move failed after Police reject the club’s $70,000 bid to sign him in August.

Police FC attacking midfielder Muhajiri Hakizimana (left) celebrates with teammates Bienvenue Mugenzi(#14) and Samuel Ndizeye(R) after scoring a brace against Marines FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday, December 2. Photo: Courtesy.

He was never happy since then and it affected his performance at the start of the season, leading to a fallout with his coach Vincent Mashami who on numerous occasions looked unimpressed by his displays.

Hakizimana realized that things weren’t going well when Frank Spittler snubbed him in the national team which was preparing for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The offensive midfielder has since worked hard to return to his top form during the international break and it now paying dividends for Police.

He single-handedly made the difference as his brace helped Police FC beat Marines FC 2-1 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday.

With Hakizimana, Police FC have been looking unstoppable and his form could be decisive in club’s quest for the first league title in their history.

ALSO READ: Hakizimana hits double as Police FC beat Marines

Musanze not the same without suspended Agblevor

Musanze FC has been struggling without Ghanaian striker Peter Agblevor who has been serving suspension following a horror challenge on Yves Kimenyi on October 29, which led the AS Kigali shot stopper to need surgery on his torn tibia and fibula.

Since Agblevor’s suspension, Sosthene Habimana’s side has not been the same team as their attacking line has been performing poorly upfront. Mohammed Sulley has chipped in some goals but the impact has been minimal as compared to Agblevor who has been a big miss for the Musanze-based side.

The former Etoile de l'Est talisman is Musanze FC’s, live wire and, without him, they had surrendered the top spot, with APR FC leading the way. He was dearly missed as the club lost 1-0 at home to Gorilla at Ubworoherane Stadium on Saturday.

It is evident that more misery could haunt Musanze FC as long as they don’t have their goal poacher in attack.

ALSO READ: Photos: Bugingo nets winner as Rayon pip Bugesera

Muhazi United getting their things right

Muhazi United endured a slow start to the Primus National League season, struggling to register a single win in their first six outings.

They got their acts together and came out with some great results including a 2-1 away win over Eastern Province rivals Sunrise FC at Nyagatare Stadium on October 21.

Etincelles on Sunday, Emmanuel Ruremesha’s men came from behind to win 3-1, their biggest win this season. From all indications, the team, formerly Rwamagana City FC, are only getting even better as the season progresses.

There is no stopping for Gilbert Mugisha

After his exploits on international football duty with Amavubi in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Mugisha has been on fire ever since.

The forward scored once and also set up a penalty in his last three matches. He has been APR's key player so far this season, whether he scores or not, he remains a nightmare for defenders.

Mugisha remains one of the torchbearers of APR FC and he would be vital if they are to retain the league title.

Title race might go down the wire

After 12 league games, there is a pretty narrow gap between the four top teams with APR leading the standings with 26 points. They are closely followed by Vincent Mashami’s Police FC with 25 as well as Rayon Sports and Musanze FC who are tied at 23 points in third and fourth places respectively.

Meanwhile, four teams namely Amagaju, Kiyovu, Gasogi, and Mukura Victory Sports all have 17 points.

The points gap is so close and it is evident that title race might go down to the final day as it did during the past two seasons.

Now, only injuries and experience will make the difference in the decisive stages if any of the teams is to win the title.