Al Hilal SC winger Jean Claude Girumugisha has been named the Best Player of the 2025/26 BK Pro League season, earning the league's highest individual honour and driving away with a brand-new car valued at Rwf15 million. The 21-year-old received the award during the inaugural BK Pro League Awards ceremony held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on Sunday, July 12. Introduced by the Rwanda Premier League in 2024, the awards recognise players and coaches who delivered outstanding performances throughout the season. Girumugisha earned the top accolade after an exceptional campaign in which he played a pivotal role in Al Hilal SC's title-winning season. The Burundi international contributed nine goals and 11 assists as the Sudanese side dominated the league despite playing their home matches away from their home country. “I am proud of Al Hilal. I couldn’t win this award without my team,” said Girumugisha after receiving the award. He beat off competition from Marine FC's Taiba Mbonyumwami, Al Hilal SC teammate Madické Kane, and APR FC duo Djibril Ouattara and Jean Gilbert Byiringiro to claim the league's most prestigious individual award. His performances have further cemented his status as one of East Africa's brightest young football talents and were instrumental in Al Hilal SC securing the 2025/26 BK Pro League title. The Young Player of the Year award went to 18-year-old Emmanuel Flomo of Al Hilal SC. He received the trophy from former Rwanda international Eric Rutanga. Meanwhile, Kiyovu Sports goalkeeper Desire Bienvenu James was named Best Goalkeeper after beating Police FC's Patience Niyongira and Bugesera FC's Dauda Bareli Ibrahima to the award. Team of the Season Goalkeeper: James Désiré Bienvenu (Kiyovu Sports) Defenders : Jean Gilbert Byiringiro (APR FC), Ernest Luzolo (Al Hilal SC), Mustafa Muhamed (Al Hilal SC), Daba Sogoba (Al Merrikh SC) Midfielders : Joseph Sackey (Mukura VS), El Hadj Madick Kane (Al Hilal SC), Gilles Razafimaro (Al Merrikh SC) Attack: Jean Claude Girumugisha (Al Hilal SC), Cheikh Djibril Ouattara (APR FC) and Taiba Mbonyumwami (Marines FC).
