APR FC to undergo significant changes in it's Lineup after acquiring three new foreign players

Having finished the first half of the 2024-25 Rwanda Premier League season in second place, trailing behind Rayon Sports, APR FC is actively strengthening its squad during the transfer period. 

The goal is to dominate their rivals in the return leg of the league and ultimately secure the championship.

Before the season started, APR FC was ambitious about winning various trophies. The club had already signed notable players, including Mamadou Sy, Richmond Ramptey, Mohamadou Lamine Bah, Aliou Souane, Godwin Odibo, Dauda Youssif, and Chidiebere Johnson Nwobodo. 

Among the local signings were Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Dushimimana Olivier, Tuyisenge Arsène, and Mugiraneza Frodouard, along with goalkeeper Ivan Ruhamyankiko, promoted from Intare Academy.

Despite these reinforcements, APR FC did not achieve its full potential in the first half of the season, prompting further acquisitions. The team has now signed three more key players: Ugandan wingers Hakim Kiwanuka and Denis Omedi, and Burkinabé striker Cheik Djibril Ouattra, as part of their strategy to reclaim the league title.

APR FC initially aimed to win the CECAFA Club Championship but fell short in the final. The team also missed out on advancing to the CAF Champions’ League group stages by just one game and lost the Super Cup to Police FC in the final. The first half of the league season ended with APR FC off the top spot, a position they typically dominate.

Before the arrival of Djibril Ouattra, Denis Omedi, and Hakim Kiwanuka, APR FC's regular starting lineup included Pavelh Ndzila in goal, Aliou Souane and Niyigena Clement in central defense, Byiringiro Gilbert on the right flank, and Niyomugabo Claude on the left. 

The midfield featured a rotation of players for the number 6 position, including Dauda Youssif, Mugiraneza Frodouard, and Thadeo Luanga. Ruboneka Jean Bosko played as the number 8, while Mahamadou Lamine Bah occupied the number 10 role.

In attack, Arsène Tuyisenge and Mamadou Sy alternated on the right and left flanks, while Victor Mbaoma led the line.

With the addition of the new players, significant tactical changes are inevitable. The league’s six-foreign-player limit means some regulars will lose their starting spots. 

If Hakim Kiwanuka, Denis Omedi, and Djibril Ouattra become first-choice starters, they are likely to occupy positions 7, 11, and 9, respectively. This would push existing starters like Mugisha Gilbert, Arsène Tuyisenge, and Mamadou Sy to bench roles unless they outperform the new arrivals.

The inclusion of new foreign players also implies that previously established foreigners like Mahamadou Lamine Bah (number 10) might lose their spots, making way for local talents like Niyibizi Ramadhan, who has shown exceptional skill in the same position.

Similarly, Mugiraneza Frodouard may secure the number 6 role, replacing either Dauda Youssif or Thadeo Luanga to meet the foreign player quota. In central defense, the team might rely more on local players such as Niyigena Clement and Nshimirimana Yunusu, potentially sidelining Aliou Souane to maintain compliance with the league regulations.

Ultimately, the introduction of these new players is set to reshape APR FC's lineup dynamics as the team gears up for the second half of the season, aiming to solidify their title ambitions.

Denis Omedi

Hakim Kiwanuka

Djibril Ouattra