With two weeks to the opening of the January 2024 transfer window, a host of players are expected to change clubs.

Usually, most clubs prefer beefing their squads by signing players plying their trade in the domestic league as they know the terrain and need little or no time to adapt.

The first transfer window of 2024 opens from January 1-31 and Times Sport takes a look at five players who could change clubs.

Elia Kategeya (Mukura VS to APR FC)

It is almost a done deal as Kategeya looks likely to sign for APR FC from Mukura Victory Sports in the January transfer window.

A talented central midfielder, Kategeya’s move has become necessary for the army side considering the fact that they do not have a recognized offensive midfielder and also their two main central midfielders Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub and Ismail Nshimirimana have been struggling with injuries which forced them out for weeks without playing.

But the youngster is most importantly regarded as a backup for midfielder Claude Niyomugabo who has been playing every minute so far this campaign.

ALSO READ: Kategeya hits double as Mukura beat Gasogi United in six goal thriller

Christophe Bukuru( Mukura VS to Etincelles)

The experienced midfielder was released by Mukura Victory Sports at the end of the 2023/24 transfer window as the two parties decided to part ways through mutual consent.

Bukuru is not new to the league, having played for APR, Rayon Sports, Rutsiro and he also had two spells with Mukura Victory Sports.

Before joining Mukura in July 2023, he was on the radar of Sunrise FC but the deal fell through. He is now without a club but Times Sport understands that Rubavu-based arch-rivals Etincelles or Marines FC are fighting for his signature although the former are favorites to land him as soon as the January transfer window opens.

Moses Nyamurangwa to Sunrise FC

The Rwanda U23 defensive midfielder was in the form of his life during the 2022/23 season to the point that he caught the attention of Police who eventually tied him down to a two-year deal during the June 2023 transfer window. He has, however, failed to break into Vincent Mashami’s team and hasn't even made a single appearance in the ongoing 2023/24 season for the law enforcers who sit second in the Primus National League with 31 points, two behind league leaders APR FC.

For now, a loan deal is the only option for Nyamurangwa and his former club Sunrise FC are ready to bring him back as he seeks playing time to regain his confidence.

Elijah Ani (Bugesera FC to AS Kigali)

There could be another transfer saga as it happened a year ago when Moro Sumaila was made to return to Etincelles after his move to AS Kigali fell through at the last minute.

The Citizens are in need of a striker to support Erisa Keith Ssekisambu upfront and the club management has identified Bugesera FC forward Elijah Ani, who has scored 9 goals in the first round of the league, as their main target.

The player is ready for a bigger challenge but the onus lies on the Nyamata-based club to release him if AS Kigali tables a reasonable offer. It is very dicey as Bugesera FC would want to hold on to him at least till the season ends.

Fiston Nkinzingabo to leave Mukura

Times Sport can confirm that talks are underway between the midfielder's agent and the top hierarchy of Mukura Victory Sports as the player wants his contract terminated.

The player has found himself in a frustrating situation at the club since Lotfi Afahmia deployed him in what doesn’t seem to be his preferred position: behind the striker as a number 10.

He featured in just five games for the club in the first round and he is eager for a new challenge elsewhere.