Transfer windows are the most delicate part of football. It is not always concrete that the player you sign can be good. Statistics can be deceptive, there could be loss of form, injuries can also set in and a player, whom the club signs and bangs their hopes on, sometimes end up being a flop. Some football pundits and connoisseurs see transfer as a gamble as a player you least expect can turn up to be a wild card whereas the one you expect to shine can be a total disappointment. In the past, new signings in the Rwandan Premier League such as Michael Sarpong who had automatically lost his place at Dreams FC in Ghana turned out to be topnotch as he banged in the goals that propelled Rayon to the title in the 2018/2019 season. In sharp contrast, players like left back Lamine Moro who signed for AS Kigali for a reported $25,000 from Yanga SC in 2021 turned out to be a big flop as he was released after just four months. The current season, which is coming to an end, saw clubs bringing in new players who hit the top of their form. In no particular order, Times Sport takes a look at the five best new signings of the 2023/24 Primus National League campaign. Elijah Ani (Bugesera FC) Bugesera could be on the brink of relegation should they fail to beat Etoile de l'Est. The club had a terrible season but it didn’t stop their star striker Elijah Ani from doing his job in front of goal. The Nigerian has been arguably the best signing in the PNL for 2023/24 season considering his performance in an average team like Bugesera FC. The former Enugu Rangers, Wikki Tourist and Warri Wolves striker previously told Times Sport that he came to Rwanda for other purposes but he loved the country and decided to stay and join Bugesera FC. With 15 goals to his name from 24 games played, Elijah is already a top target for Rayon Sports. ALSO READ: Shaiboub nets winner as APR survive Sunrise scare Victor Mbaoma (APR FC) When APR decided to change their policy of using home grown players in June 2023, one of the first foreign players they signed was Victor Mbaoma. The 27-year-old Nigeria international was a free agent after leaving Uzbekistan outfit Qizilqum FC in January 2023. In his first season, Mbaoma has scored 15 goals in 25 games which were crucial to APR’s title glory. Mbaoma is now in race for the golden boot along with countryman Elijah Ani who scored the same number of goals. ALSO READ: Pimpong talks journey, life at Mukura VS, career aspirations Abdul Rahman Rukundo (Amagaju FC) Before his move to Amagaju FC where joined coach Amars Niyongabo, Rukundo was a household name in Burundi during his time at Flambeau du Centre. The attacking midfielder has been a revelation for Amagaju FC and he is one of the main reasons why they will finish in the top half of the Primus National League. Rukundo has 12 league goals to his name so far this season, which makes him the highest scoring midfielder this campaign. He is obviously destined for greatness and it is evident his time at Amagaju FC may come to an end in June, with the likes of Rayon Sports and AS Kigali both interested in his services. Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub (APR FC) The Sudanese central midfielder is not new to top level football on the African continent, having previously excelled with Al Hilal in Sudan and Simba SC in Tanzania. Shaiboub has scored eight league goals this campaign and has been among the best players in the league in the second round. The Sudanese showed his versatility in January and February when Thierry Froger played him as false number 9 following Victor Mbaoma’s injury that he picked during the Mapinduzi Cup. Samuel Pimpong (Mukura Victory Sports) The Ghanaian winger joined Mukura VS in July 2023 after passing trials at the club. He previously featured for Dreams FC and Berekum Chelsea in Ghana as well as United FC in the United Arab Emirates. In his maiden season with Mukura, Pimpong has scored four goals and provided four assists. His goal against Kiyovu was nominated for the December 2023 goal of the month while he was also nominated for the February 2024 PNL player of the month which he lost to Shaiboub.
