A host of players have been in outstanding form in their respective teams before first round of the Primus National League concluded on December 13. Some individual performances had an instrumental impact in their teams’ current standings on the table led by reigning champions APR with 33 points. The army side is, however, looking their shoulders, with pressure from Police FC (31 points), Musanze (29 points) and Rayon Sports (27) looming. As the league is on a one-month festive break, Times Sport takes a look at players who made the different in their respective positions during the first round. ALSO READ: Five key highlights from the first round of the Primus National League Goalkeeper: Pavelh Ndzila (APR) The Congolese shot stopper was not convincing for APR in the CAF Champions League campaign in which they were handed a premature elimination by Pyramids FC but he has been superb on the domestic front. Ndzila conceded just nine goals in 15 league matches, the least so far this season. He single-handedly saved APR against Mukura in which he pulled as many as five point blank saves. RB: Cedric Kubwimana (Mukura VS) The enterprising right back had in rich vein of form, scoring four goals and providing two assists despite playing in defense. A marauding lateral defender, Kubwimana contributes immensely to both defensive and attacking duties. He has been a key element for his club. LB: Christian Ishimwe (APR) Ishimwe missed some games as sometimes coach Thierry Froger tried to rotate him with Claude Niyomugabo. However, he has made his contributions noticed whenever he was on duty at the left side of APR FC defense. CB: Isaac Mitima (Rayon Sports) The towering central defender has a great command at the back and has always been efficient. With skipper Abdul Rwatubyaye still trying to find his best form, Mitima has been the main man at the back for Rayon Sports. He excelled greatly in games against Gasogi, Mukura, and Police FC. CB: Clement Niyigena (APR FC) Niyigena might not have played a lot of games for APR this season but anytime he is on the field, he brings stability to the APR back four. He has paired Prince Buregeya, Yunus Nshimiyimana as well as Salomon Bindjeme and has excelled greatly. DM: Joseph Sackey (Muhazi United) Sackey has been dominant for Muhazi United putting up superb performances against Gorilla FC, Sunrise and APR. He has two goals and two assists to his name so far this season which is commendable for a holding midfielder. CM: Abdul Rahman Rukundo (Amagaju FC) Rukundo has been the heart and soul of newly promoted Amagaju with some breathtaking displays. Rukundo has netted 7 goals from the midfield in 15 games, and he has been efficient for the club. He is the reason why they are occupying a mid-table position. Left Wing: Heritier Luvumbu ( Rayon Sports) Luvumbu could operate either behind a striker or on the left wing depending on Mohamed Wade’s formation of play. The Congo international has scored six goals for the Blues this season and has been their key man. Once Luvumbu has his day, expect Rayon to win. His most outstanding moment was on October 21 when he bagged a hat-trick against Sunrise FC. Right wing: Muhadjiri Hakizimana (Police FC) Hakizimana did not start the season well after Police blocked his $70,000-a-year move to Iraq. At one point, he was even suspended from the team for poor output and attitude after defeat to APR. The experienced midfielder was, however, able to put all behind him and he has now become the live wire of Police FC. He has 8 league goals to his name so far this campaign and has been exceptional for the club. Attack: Peter Agblevor (Musanze FC) Agblevor has scored 10 league goals in his last 12 league appearances this season. Musanze FC has been depending on the Ghanaian and they, at the same time, struggled in his absence especially when he was handed a three match suspension games after he was suspended for a horror challenge of AS Kigali goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi. ALSO READ: Hit or Miss? How have new signings fared Centre forward: Victor Mbaoma (APR FC) The Nigerian striker has been a revelation for defending Champions APR in the first round of the league. Mbaoma has scored 12 league goals, and his goals were crucial to the team’s table topping in the forts round. The most notable one was his last gasp goal against Mukura in the 94th minute on October 13. Mbaoma is a Fox in the box and he can get the job done at any time. Coach: Sostene Habimana (Musanze FC)
