The 2022/23 Primus National League season ended in favor of APR FC who were crowned champions for the fourth time in a row on Sunday at Kigali Pele Stadium while red hot striker Leandre Willy Onana finished the season as the league top scorer. In general, the season has seen a host of players displaying quality football, putting up outstanding performances which had a big impact on their team performance. Times Sport’s football writer Edmund Okai Gyimah, who has been covering the league, suggests his ultimate 2022/23 Primus National League team of the season. Goalkeeper: Adolphe Hakizimana (Rayon Sports) In his first season as the Blues first choice goalkeeper, the Rwanda national U23 shot stopper made the difference between the sticks despite having a shaky defense in front of him. Hakizimana put up some incredible performances which earned him a call up in Carlos Ferrer’s senior Amavubi team. The just-concluded season has really shown that the Blues’ keeper has come of age. Right back: Omborenga Fitina (APR) An enterprising and solid right-back, Omborenga again excelled throughout the season. The 27-year-old was always Ben Moussa’s number one pick on his APR team sheet whenever he was fit. His leadership also saw him take over the captaincy in absence of skipper Djabel Manishimwe who had limited playing time. Most of APR's attack was initiated from the right and Fitina was very key. He scored three goals this season which are not bad for a defender. Left back: Christian Ishimwe (APR) Just like his compatriot on the right side, Ishimwe marshalled the left rear very well with his marauding runs. He proved to be a dead ball expert with some wonderful strikes. His goal against Etincelles in Bugesera was a beauty to enjoy watching. Centre back: Clement Niyigena (APR) It took Niyigena just one season to prove APR why they signed him from Rayon Sports last year. The youngster has been at the heart of the army side’s defense and was always on top of his game with some excellent performance. He scored four goals for the club despite not featuring in the last five games through injury. APR really had problems at the back in his absence. Centre back: Aimable Nsabimana (Kiyovu) After a botched move to Saudi Arabia, Nsabimana returned home and joined Kiyovu Sports in January. He put up a good show and brought stability to the Green Baggies’ central defense as they finished second on the table. He’s currently on of the defenders that Ferrer counts on in Amavubi. Defensive midfielder: Bonheur Mugisha (APR) He was the fulcrum around which APR FC revolved. Mugisha was the link between the defensive minded players and the attackers. APR were very balanced anytime the former Mukura Victory player was in action. Central midfield: Ismail ‘Pichou’ Nshimirimana (Kiyovu) The Burundian had a great season and was instrumental as Kiyovu fought all the way until the game against Sunrise that they lost grip of the title. Nshimirimana banged in three spectacular goals including a superb long range volley against rivals Rayon Sports. The Burundian is regarded by many football pundits and commentators among the league’s top three players of the season. Attacking midfielder: Theodor Malipangou (Gasogi) The Central African Republic international stood out in his first season for Gasogi, netting 11 league goals and providing six assists. He was brilliant in big games, especially against Rayon Sports and Kiyovu. To score 11 goals for a mid-table club like Gasogi United shows how Malipangou is of great quality. No wonder foreign teams are in race to sign him ahead of next season. Left attack: Leandre Onana (Rayon Sports) Arguably the best player in the league this season, the Cameroonian forward won the top scorer award with 16 goals and six assists to his name. Onana started the season poorly as injuries took the better part of him but after gaining full fitness, he started firing from all angles. He was consistent for Rayon as they finished third on the table. The Blues would be celebration something better than the third place had the forward stayed fin throughout the season. Centre forward: Yafesi Mubiru (Sunrise FC) The Ugandan striker scored 14 goals for Sunrise FC including the wonder strike which ended Kiyovu's title ambitions. Mubiru has established himself as a potent centre forward and, in his three seasons at Sunrise, he has scored 42 goals as he averages 14 goals per season, exactly the same number of goals he scored this season. Right attack: Erisa Ssekisambu (Kiyovu Sports) The Ugandan attacker had a great season scoring 10 league goals for Kiyovu Sports. As the saying goes the one who fetches water is the one who breaks the pot, Ssekisambu missed a crucial penalty against Sunrise in Nyagatare which could have aided his side to lift their first title in three decades. Besides the penalty, the striker has always delivered whenever it mattered.
