Transfer talk: Niyomugabo linked to Azam, APR set to sign Ngabonziza

APR FC captain Claude Niyomugabo is reportedly attracting interest from Tanzanian Premier League side Azam FC, Times Sport has learned. The 26-year-old defender was a key player for APR in the recently concluded season as the team lifted the local double of the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) and the Peace Cup. ALSO READ: AS Kigali could lose 15 players before new season He played every match last season as the military side made a comeback to pip rivals Rayon Sports to the two major trophies. Meanwhile, Rayon Sports left-back Hakim Bugingo, has reportedly already agreed to join APR. In addition, Police FC midfielder Pacifique Ngabonziza is also among those that are on the list of players joining the army side for the upcoming season. Considered one of Rwanda’s top defensive midfielders currently, Ngabonziza was part of the national team that competed in 2023 CHAN tournament. Other players linked with moves to APR include Ugandan midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda who features for SC Villa and the Ugandan national team. If he joins, he will be the second player to join APR from SC Villa recently, since winger Hakim Kiwanuka also hails from the same club. Currently, APR is home to three Ugandan players: forward Denis Omedi, winger Hakim Kiwanuka, and defensive midfielder Taddeo Lwanga. ALSO READ: A look at Rwanda’s prominent football families Lwanga is among the players expected to leave the club this season, and the technical bench is already looking at ways of replacing him. For Rayon Sports, information shows that they are on the verge of signing Chris Rushema from Mukura Victory Sports. Rushema declined to renew his contract with Mukura and has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Blues, choosing them over Police FC and APR which also reportedly had interest in him. APR and Rayon Sports will represent Rwanda in the continental showpieces: the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively. The preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup are scheduled for August 8-10 and 15-17, respectively. The first-round matches will take place from September 9-21, with the return legs set for September 26-28. Group stage games will be played between October 26 and December 7.