Africa-Press – Rwanda. The first round of the Primus Rwanda National League concluded on Wednesday, December 13, marking a compelling start to the 2023/24 campaign.
It was an action-packed display, characterised by stunning goals, fiercely contested matches, outstanding individual performances, and, notably, a high turnout of spectators at various stadiums.
Here are key takeaways from the first fifteen games of the season:
1. Six coaches fired
Clubs wasted no time to dismiss underperforming coaches. In just four months, six coaches were let go: Yamen Zelfani of Rayon Sports, Eric Nshimiyimana of Bugesera, Maurice Nshimiyimana of Etoile, Hassan Muhire of Sunrise FC, Andre Casa Mbungo of AS Kigali, and Petros Koukuras of Kiyovu Sports.
For teams like Sunrise FC and AS Kigali, such moves played out well, as they climbed out of the drop zone.
2. Race for the golden boot intensifies
The competition for the top scorer award in the 2023/24 season has heated up, with three players firmly in the race. Victor Mbaoma of Sunrise FC leads with 12 goals in 15 games, followed by Peter Agblevor with 10 goals in 11 games, and Muhadjiri Hakizimana of Police and Elijah Ani of Bugesera with 9 goals each.
These players, vital to their teams, are expected to continue their goal-scoring spree in the second round, and may surpass Leandre Onana’s 15 goals that secured the award in the 2022/23 season.
3. APR’s unbeaten streak
In the 15 games, APR FC demonstrated dominance by winning 9 and drawing 6 without any defeats. Though the team’s display has not been convincing in some games, especially during the goalless derby against Gasogi where coach Thierry Froger faced criticism from fans, the army side’s unbeaten record is such a big feat.
4. Musanze’s resurgence
Historically a mid-table team, Musanze FC emerged as a potential title contender in the so far. The team was in third position by the time the first round closed.
Coach Sosthene Habimana has crafted a winning team capable of challenging the big clubs for the trophy, led by standout players like Peter Agblevor.
5. A round of fantastic goals
A variety of good goals have been scored in the first round of the league. Notable among them is Muhadjiri’s long range strike against Musanze, Elie Kategeya’s lob against Gasogi, Samuel Pimpong’s precise and well placed shot against Kiyovu, and Elie Tatou’s long-range effort against Rayon.
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