Rayon Sports will host fierce rivals APR FC in a mouthwatering first round of the topflight league as per the 2024/25 topflight league fixtures released by Rwanda Premier League board on Wednesday, July 24.

Either Kigali Pele Stadium or Amahoro Stadium could host the derby which will take place at 6pm. The same venues are also candidates to host the return round of the same match on April 26 at 7pm.

Match day 1, which commences on Thursday, August 15, will see Rayon Sports welcoming Marines FC to the Kigali Pele Stadium. Gorilla FC will face newly-promoted Vision FC while Mukura VS entertain Gasogi United at Huye Stadium. AS Kigali will battle Kiyovu in a local derby whereas Muhazi United will visit Musanze FC.

Champions APR FC will begin their title defense against Rutsiro FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on August 28 while, on the same date, Police FC will begin the campaign away to Etincelles FC at Umuganda Stadium.

APR and Police’s opening games were delayed as they will be playing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup first leg of the opening round respectively.

The first round will close on December 23 with a game between Vision FC and Musanze FC at Kigali Pele Stadium after which there will be a 25-day break for the festive season. The second round returns on January 18.

In all, a total of 240 games will be played over the course of nine months with the season set to end on May 18, 2025.

APR are the defending champions having won the 2023/24 league title unbeaten.