Northern African leagues, particularly the Tunisian Ligue 1, have been a waterloo for many players from other parts of the African continent. Over the years, many talented players across the continent have found the Tunisian Ligue 1 to be a slipping ground despite their immense talent. Mention can be made of former Black Stars’ attacking midfielder Charles Taylor, arguably the most talented player to come out of the Ghana Premier League in his generation, as well as Nigerian striker Julius Aghahowa, who made name in Europe, and played in two FIFA World Cups, all struggled in Tunisia. Even Rwandan legendary forward Olivier Karekezi could not make it in the Tunisia first tier league during his time at CA Bizertin. He had to move back to Sweden to sign for Trelleborgs in January 2014. The list is long, Meddie Kagere, Abeddy Biramahire, Innocent Nshuti and a number of Rwandan modern stars could not thrive in the Tunisian League. This shows how tough the league is. Currently, Emmanuel Imanishimwe's 3 successful years at FAR Rabat in Morocco can be considered as East Africa's best output in North Africa. The talented left-back, who won the league title and the King's Cup with FAR Rabat before moving to AEL Limassol of Cyprus in June 2024, remains the torchbearer of East African footballers who have excelled in Northern Africa. Now, one player who could attain similar heights or move higher if he remains focused is Rwanda's Bonheur Mugisha who plays for Stade Tunisien in the Tunisian Ligue 1. The journey has not been easy for the 25-year-old midfielder but he is living his dream as he continues to excel and improve in each game. I feel good and am adapting to life at my new club. It’s a wonderful opportunity to join my new team and everything is going well, especially in training and I am getting used to the new environment,” Mugisha told Times Sport in his first week at the club. “I am here to prove myself that I can play at a higher level and the first week has been good so far. Now it is time to play with maturity and show what I have so that I can keep moving forward.” “It is time to work and show what I can do for the club. It is a new opportunity and a new journey and I am ready to embrace it,” he added. Mugisha looks like a man on a mission and he is bent on excelling in one of the best leagues in Africa. His move to Tunisia was not even a straight deal from Rwanda. He signed for Al Ahli Tripoli after they invited him in July 2023, but he terminated his contract after two months due to an unconducive environment. His former assistant coach of APR Ben Moussa who had taken over AS Marsa in the Tunisian Ligue 1 offered him a contract. with an impressive 19 appearances, Stade Tunisien signed him in September 2024. This 2024/25 season, Mugisha has been by far the best defensive midfielder in the Tunisian Ligue 1 and Stade Tunisien is among the title contenders. The Amavubi defensive midfielder has been the driving force behind the club. Out of 17 Ligue 1 games so far this season, Mugisha has played 16 of them and in all those matches he played a full 90 minutes. The only game he missed was the 3-1 win over US Tataouine on Sunday, February 2. He was actually sick and wasn't in the match day squad. ALSO READ: Mugisha settling for life at new club Stade Tunisien In the 16 games that the former APR midfield maestro played, Stade Tunisien recorded 9 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats. They have conceded just 9 goals this season and Mugisha’s influence in the team’s results has been evident. As a defensive midfielder, Mugisha protects the back four, breaks up opponents' attacks and starts Stade Tunisien’s forward play by releasing the balls. He occasionally bumps forward to score goals where he has found the back of the net three time so far this campaign. ALSO READ: Mugisha agrees to Stade Tunisien move Mugisha's game has notably improved since signing for Stade Tunisien. He is now a complete package as he shields the back four so well while he also sets the tempo of the game. His previous problem, which was losing concentration, has now been fixed by coach Maher Kanzari. On the international scene, he has been a key performer in the Amavubi team, forming an impregnable central midfield partnership with skipper Djihad Bizimana. He has established himself as the fulcrum around which Amavubi is built. Mugisha is likely to play in an African club competition for the 2025/26 season, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Stade Tunisien are currently third in the Tunisian League with 35 points and only one point is separating them from league leaders Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The former Heroes FC, Mukura Victory Sports and APR player is building his name and is already walking on the carpet of gold. Who knows? Rwanda might just be having a Yaya Toure replica under their sleeves.
