Police FC’s new signing Djabel Manishimwe has admitted that winning the Rwanda Premier League title is a difficult task but one he believes is possible for his side.
The former APR and Rayon Sports midfielder came off the bench to make an immediate impact in Police’s 1-0 victory over Rutsiro FC on Sunday, October 19, helping the team maintain their perfect start to the season and stay top of the table with 12 points after four rounds.
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Manishimwe, who joined Police recently as their latest addition, said he was motivated by the club’s project and the coach’s philosophy.
"I joined Police FC because of the coach’s project and his style of play,” he said. "We are here to work as a team, win as many matches as possible, and collect maximum points so we can stay ahead of others.”
The midfielder, who previously lifted league titles with APR, stressed that consistency and teamwork will be key if Police are to challenge for the championship.
"Our main target is to play good football and win as many games as possible. From there, you can start thinking about the title, which is our goal,” he noted.
"We know it will be tough against strong teams like Rayon Sports and APR, who are always contenders, but we are ready for them.”
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Manishimwe’s rise to prominence began in 2014 when he joined Rayon Sports from Isonga FC. During his time at Rayon, he was instrumental in several successes, including the 2016 Peace Cup, 2016/17 and 2018/19 league titles, and the 2017 Rwanda Super Cup. He also played a key role in Rayon’s run to the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
In 2018, he moved to APR FC, amid speculation linking him to Kenya’s Gor Mahia. His career later took him to Mukura VS, USM Khenchela (Algeria), and brief stints with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Naft Al Wasat in Iraq, before returning home to join Police FC.
Police extended their unbeaten run with another narrow 1-0 win over Amagaju FC on Sunday, October 19, at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The decisive goal came in the 77th minute when Dieudonné Ndayishimiye converted a cross from Lague Byiringiro, taking all three points for Ben Mousa’s men.