2021/2022 Rwanda Premier League: Best XI players of the season
Sunday, June 19, 2022
AS Kigali's striker Shaban Hussein Shabalala dribbles past Rayon Sports defender during the league match at Kigali Stadium on April 23, 2022.

The 2021/2022 Rwanda Premier League ended on Saturday June 18 with APR FC winning a third league title in a row.

The season saw quality being displayed as many players put up excellent performances whereas others failed to find their feet.

In all, the standard was very good as the league champions was decided on the last day whereas the battle for survival was also tight at the bottom of the table.

Times Sport looks at the best eleven from the league after eight months of action.

Goalkeeper

Yves Kimenyi (Goalkeeper, Kiyovu Sports)

The talented shot stopper was the safest pair of hands in the league this season. Out of 30 games, Kimenyi conceded just sixteen goals which was the least this season.

He was very instrumental with great saves in all the big games especially against APR FC and Rayon when his side picked the maximum points

Defenders

Omborenga Fitina (Right-back, APR FC)

A marauding right-back, Fitina had a fantastic season and was very impressive at the back of the league champions.

The position for right-back in the team of the season was between him and Ali Serumogo of Kiyovu but the former gets the nod because he was able to net a goal when their respective teams played each other. 

Claude Niyomugabo (Left-back, APR FC)

The left side of the APR defence was a no go area for opposing wingers as Niyomugabo was more than a barrier.

He was excellent in defending and occasionally popped up with overlapping runs down the flanks

Thierry Ndayishimiye (Central defence, Kiyovu Sports)

A stalwart in the heart of the Kiyovu Sports defence, Ndayishimiye was in great form as he put up a great performance at the back of the "Green Baggies."

He was the leader of the Kiyovu defense and remained very instrumental throughout the season as they conceded only sixteen goals.

Aimable Nsabimana (Central defense, APR FC)

Nsabimana was very efficient at the back of APR and defended gallantly throughout the season. He was able to bang in three goals before the campaign ended.

He was the best center back in the just ended season. 

Midfielders

Bosco Ruboneka (Central Midfield, APR FC)

A workaholic midfielder who operates just in front of the back four, Ruboneka did his job so well and was also the one who always starts the APR attack.

He netted a superb long range drive against Rayon Sports which could contest for goal of the season.

Djabel Manishimwe (Central Midfield, APR FC)

Manishimwe is the midfield partner of Ruboneka and they complimented each other so well. They were the heartbeat of the APR team as they put up solid performances throughout the season.

The talent of Manishimwe was evident throughout the season as he always delivered for the Army club.

Abedi Bigirimana (Attacking midfield, Kiyovu Sports)

Arguably the best player in the just ended season. The young attacking midfielder banged in thirteen goals as his side finished second in the league.

Bigirimana also assisted a host of goals as he put up a decent performance throughout the campaign. His free kick against Rayon Sports was one of the best goals during the season

Attack

Sadick Sulley (Outside-left, Bugesera FC)

The left-footed Ghanaian forward was used in all the attacking positions this season and he was up to the task. He played behind the main striker, as a center-forward and also sometimes from the wings due to his versatility.

Sadick banged in eight league goals and was by far Bugesera FC best player of the season.

Samuel Nwosu (Outside-right, Etoile)

He shares the second top scorer accolade (13 goals) in the 2021/2022 Rwandan Premier League season with Abedi Bigirimana despite his team Etoile suffering relegation.

Nwosu was among the formidable attackers in the league and netted 13 goals for a relegation team shows his quality

Shabani Hussein (Center-forward, AS Kigali)

A ruthless goal monger, Hussein netted fifteen league goals for AS Kigali in the just ended season and was the top scorer in the top flight.

He showed his predatory instincts in all the games he played as he tormented defenders with his pace, skills and goal scoring prowess.

Shabani was also very key as AS Kigali reached the Peace Cup final.