Rwanda Premier League: Five things we learnt from the opening week
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Rayon started their new league campaign brightly as Friday’s 2-1 win over Gasogi FC marked what looks like a new era for the club under new head coach Yamen Zelfani. Courtesy

It was an action-packed weekend of football as Rwanda Premier League returned.

Rayon Sports, Musanze and Police were off to a perfect start to the season with convincing wins while Kiyovu struggled in goalless draw against Muhazi United.

Times Sport takes a look at five things we learnt from the Rwandan Premier League match day 1.

Muhazi United needs a centre forward

Muhazi dominated the first half against Kiyovu Sports and they created some decent chances but failed to utilize them as the game ended in a goalless draw.

They played very delightful football from their well-organised midfield and defense. They could have taken all three points back home if they had a potent striker upfront.

ALSO READ: Muhazi United hold Kiyovu in league opener

‘Underrated’ Agblevor proves his worth

Musanze forward Peter Agblevor is arguably one of the most underrated strikers in the Rwanda Premier League. He scored nine goals last season and this campaign and he started the new season with a brace against his former team Etoile.

Agblevor, 20, has shown real quality in the league over the past two seasons but it seems he doesn't get the needed attention. He is a player to watch this season.

In Zelfani, Rayon’s new era begins

Rayon started their new league campaign brightly as Friday’s 2-1 win over Gasogi FC marked what looks like a new era for the club under new head coach Yamen Zelfani.

With the win, the Blues made a strong statement of what the season has in store for them. It is too soon to quickly count them among title favorites if they can build on their performance against Gasogi, they will be title contenders.

The arrival of Zelfani is obviously having an impact on the team’s results, having brushed aside bitter rivals APR FC with 3-0 victory in the Super Cup and the boys are not ready to stop winning more games.

Next will be Gorilla FC who ended their title hopes last season. The way the Tunisian animated the game from the touchline shows how much he wants to win and, with that spirit, Rayon could be a team to beat in the domestic league and in the CAF Confederation Cup.

ALSO READ: Muhazi United hold Kiyovu in league opener

Etoile must regroup quickly

The newly promoted club was given a 4-1 mauling in Ngoma by Musanze with the goal margin ranking it the heaviest defeat of the match day.

Etoile must realize the stage they are in as early as they can or they might go back to the second tier League.

They played like there was nothing at stake on Sunday.

Police FC sends warning to title rivals

Police FC were superb against Sunrise especially in the second half as goals from Abedi Bigirimana and Didier Mugisha gave them a 2-0 win.

From all departments of the game, Vincent Mashami’s side looked very organized and their current squad is capable of winning the league title this season.

They are certainly one of the teams to watch this season and if you could list title contenders, count the law enforcers in.