Africa-Press – Rwanda. Before Rayon Sports and APR FC squared off in the second round of the Rwanda Premier League in March, Rayon were at the time leading the table with 42 points, two ahead of APR FC who were in second place.
But midfielder Ramadhan Niyibizi wasn’t concerned much about trailing their arch rivals, saying that it was just a matter of time for his side to finish the league as champions.
Niyibizi and his teammates kept their word and won the title with one match to go, after traveling to Ngoma Stadium to beat struggling Muhazi United 1-0 courtesy of Cheikh Djibril Ouattara’s first half solitary goal.
Celebrations in Ngoma had been on hold until the players learned that Rayon Sports were held by relegated Vision FC to a goalless draw.
“I said it was just a matter of time that we would win both trophies (Peace Cup and the league title), not because I undermine Rayon Sports, but because we are capable of doing it,” Niyibizi told the press in a post-match interview.
” We shall play the Champions League, we still have a long way to go, and we are going to prepare for it.”
This was APR’s record-extending 23rd title while they have now won six title in a row. They also completed the double, having also won the Peace Cup 2025 after beating Rayon Sports 2-0 in the final in early May.
Rayon Sports were hot favorites to win the league until Bugesera FC stunned them 2-1 in a match that was shaped by controversies to blow their title hopes. APR at the time beat Gorilla FC to claim the top spot and they never looked back ever since.
APR captain Claude Niyomugabo admits his side had a difficult start to season but winning mentality and teamwork helped them finish the final sprint victorious.
“We didn’t start the season well but we sat down as players and coaches, the staff and the administration in general, and agreed that we need to work together as a team and try to win every cup here in Rwanda. We have come this far and we are so happy to finish the season this way,” said Niyomugabo.
On his personal achievement as APR captain, the left back said he was pleased to win his second title leading the team.
“I have now won two league as captain with APR and I am elated with that. This game against Muhazi United wasn’t easy but we pushed and got the needed win which has helped us to be champions again,” he noted.
APR won the title without their head coach Darko Novic who left the club on mutual agreement with three games left. Mugisha Ndoli took charge of the club as caretaker coach and went on to help the team win the title.
Ndoli, who coaches APR FC’s academy team Intare FC, said he didn’t have much to change to the team he inherited except asking players to work as a team.
“There was so much at stake, a lot of mathematics but, with the support of our fans, we are excited that the results have gone according to plan. I came and built on what other have achieved, winning this trophy is a privilege for me and my career. I thank God,” he said.
“When I came, I worked with a group of players who are professionals. I asked them to make sure we win game by game and leave the rest to the opponents. They did as we agreed and here we are.”
With just a game to spare, APR have 64 points, four ahead of rivals Rayon 60.
The army side will now represent Rwanda in the CAF Champions League while Rayon Sports will play the CAF Confederation Cup.
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