AS Kigali have struggled to win the national football league trophy for years, but after a transfer splurge when they signed Amavubi skipper Haruna Niyonzima, Eric Bakame Ndayishimiye and a few new faces ahead next season, is this the season they mount a serious challenge for the league title?

The club’s most high profile signing was former APR and Young Africans (Yanga) midfielder Haruna Niyonzima. The 29-year old signed a one year contract after spending eight years in Tanzanian Premier League with Yanga and Simba SC.

The attacking midfielder is among the nine players who were unveiled as the club’s new acquisitions last month as the club prepares for the CAF confederation Cup against Tanzanian side, KMC FC.

He will link up with Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye, and right-back Michel Rusheshangoga in an experienced team that has players who have also played for the national football team, Amavubi at continental level.

Haruna has been an astounding player since his days at APR winning league titles from 2007-2011, before moving to Tanzania in 2011. He was an integral part of Yanga football club and guided them to the league title for five consecutive seasons.

Although some football pundits say he no longer has the pace that made him so lethal, his coach Eric Nshimiyimana who has known for him years says he will bring experience and calmness in a team that is making its first appearance in continental football since 2014.

"He has a lot of experience and is a good passer of the ball plus his eye for goal is a good addition which will help us in our pursuit of domestic and continental glory,” Nshimiyimana said.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com