The July-August transfer market could be ranked among the busiest transfer windows that Rwandan football has witnessed in years. Each of the 16 topflight clubs were active on the market with a host of mega signings as they aimed to beef up their squads. It has been a rollercoaster since the 2023/24 Primus National League started on August 23 with some of the players already living up to expectations while others are struggling to impress despite big money moves. As the first round of the league winds up, Times Sport takes a look at standout players and flops among new signings. Hits Victor Mbaoma (APR FC) APR signed Mbaoma as a free agent in July after the striker left Uzbekistan side Qizilgun Zarafshon. Despite struggling at the CAF Champions League, he has been in fine form, scoring 12 league goals in 15 games. APR has over the years struggled for a formidable goal scorer and Mbaoma seems to be their ultimate answer to their woes. Mbaoma has been scoring for fun and, should he continue where he stopped in the first round, the Nigerian is undoubtedly destined to finish as the league top scorer. Elijah Ani (Bugesera FC) Bugesera FC are struggling in the Primus National League but Ani has been on fire. The Nigerian striker has banged in 9 league goals for the relegation-threatened team, including superb strikes against Kiyovu Sports and Police FC. Haringingo will be counting on the forward’s goals as he looks to rescue the Nyamata-based club from the relegation. Joseph Sackey (Muhazi United) It virtually looks like the biggest transfer bargain that Muhazi United has made. The Ghanaian defensive midfielder has been their best player in the first round of the season. Signed from Ghanaian second tier side Wa Suntaa FC where he won the player of the season during in 2023, Sackey has continued his excellent form in the Rwandan Primus National League. In 15 games, he scored two goals and provided two assists. Not so bad for a defensive midfielder. ALSO READ: Sackey predicts tough game against Rayon sports Richard Kilongozi (Kiyovu) The Burundian winger has exhibited fantastic output for a Kiyovu Sports team whose form has been patchy due to internal administrative disorders. Kilongozi has has been at the heart of the Mumena-based side’s redemption and his influence in big games has been key for the club. He has bagged six goals and provided a couple of assists so far this season. Arguably one of the most feared forwards in the league. Abedi Bigirimana (Police FC) The Burundi international started the season on a poor note as he looked bulky and out of form considering that he was settling for new life at Police FC. He, however, was able to quickly rediscover his form with the assistance of Vincent Mashami and his technical team. ALSO READ: Transfer updates: Kimenyi joins AS Kigali as Bigirimana agrees Police move The 2021/22 Primus National League player of the season has scored seven goals so far this season despite and, with Muhadjiri Hakizimana by his side, they have carried Police FC to second place on the table with 31 points, just two shy of leaders APR FC. With the midfield duo, Police FC have established themselves among APR’s big threat to the league title. Misses Moses Nyamurangwa (Police FC) Nyamurangwa moved to Police FC in July after excelling for Sunrise FC in the 2022/23 season. The youngster has failed to stake a claim in the Police FC team as he continues to struggle for game time in the club’s pecking order considering that he has not made a single appearance for the club. If Nyamurangwa does not up his work rate and break into Mashami’s team at all cost, he could be offloaded in June. Moro Sumaila (Police FC) The Ghanaian striker was a hit at Etincelles last season scoring ten goals in the first round of the 2022/23 season. He had to force a move to Police FC months after his transfer to AS Kigali in January fell through. Moro did not have a preseason with his new club as he completed his move after four rounds of games in the league and, by that time, the squad was intact. The Ghanaian has played only cameo roles at Police FC this season, always coming on as a late substitute. He scored just once in the first round of the season. Mikel Freeman (Kiyovu SC) The Liberian striker was in fine form for Oilers in his home country scoring for fun before joining Kiyovu in July. He has failed to cement a place in the team losing his position to Richard Kilongozi, the club’s current main man. The 1.94m forward could be released in June if he doesn't improve. Youssef Rharb (Rayon Sports) Now having his second spell at Rayon Sports, a lot was expected from the Moroccan attacker as the club hope he would play an instrumental role in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign. READ ALSO: Youssef Rharb set for shock Rayon return However, he has been a pale shadow of himself. Youssef’s poor disciplinary record still haunts him as he was banished from the first team only for him to be brought back when he turned a new leaf. ALSO READ: Rayon Sports make U-turn on Youssef’s future Few, or none, doubt the forward’s talent but he is at the same time proving to be a wasted talent. Time to recover his form before the second round comes or he will be released. Danny Ndikumana (APR FC) APR FC thought they signed the next biggest football hopeful in Ndikumana but the former Rukinzo FC prodigy has failed to glitter. He is now a forgotten man, having failed to even make the cut in Thierry Froger’s bench. Ndikumana has not made a single appearance for the army side this season and the club could consider loaning him so he could get playing time.
