Top 5 summer transfers of Rwandan players overseas
Monday, September 02, 2024
Fiacre Ntwari's exploits were caught the attention of Kaizer Chiefs who paid $400,000 to sign him to their fold. It was one of the biggest transfers in South Africa this summer. Courtesy

The 2024 summer transfer window effectively ended on August 30 with a host of Rwandan players moving to new clubs.

Some of them were signed outright and others moved on loan as they sought to continue their developments.

Gradually, Rwandan players are making giant strides in Europe and overseas, and it is undoubtedly having a positive impact on national team Amavubi.

Times Sport takes a look top five transfers involving Rwanda players in the just-closed summer transfer window.

Fiacre Ntwari (TS Galaxy to Kaizer Chiefs)

Ntwari was a revelation for TS Galaxy in the South Africa Betway Premiership as they finished 6th at the end of the 2023/24 season which was their highest ranking ever.

They also reached the final of the League Cup for the first time in their history. Key to this achievement is Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. The former AS Kigali shot stopper kept nine clean sheets in 24 appearances that he played for TS Galaxy in all competitions, conceding 23 goals.

Ntwari's exploits were caught the attention of Kaizer Chiefs who paid $400,000 to sign him to their fold. It was one of the biggest transfers in South Africa this summer.

ALSO READ: Ntwari's heroics propel TS Galaxy to Telkom second round

Emmanuel Imanishimwe (FAR Rabat to AEL Limassol)

The talented left-back spent three successful seasons at Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat and was among standout performers at his position on the African continent.

He had one more year left on his contract before an undisclosed offer came from Cypriot side AEL Limassol and he was made to leave.

Even with a year left on his FAR Rabat deal, Imanishimwe then commanded a value of $700,000 on his official transfermarkt page.

Ange Mutsinzi (FK Jerv to FK Zira)

It was evident that Ange Mutsinzi was not going to stay at Norwegian side FK Jerv for long after the club was relegated to the third tier league.

Mutsinzi had six months left on his FK Jerv contract but FK Zira of Azerbaijan paid $150,000 to buy him out of the deal.

The towering centre back has hit the ground running. He was instrumental for Zira although they were knocked out of both the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers.

Doyle Kamari (Brighton to Exeter)

The talented offensive midfielder joined English League 1 side Exeter City on loan from English a Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

The deal is part of his development as Brighton want him to have first team experience at an appreciable level before he returns to the club.

Doyle, 19, was born to a Rwandan father and a British mother. He has been capped by England at U19 level but he is still eligible to switch allegiance to Rwanda.

Christian Ishimwe (Police FC to RCA Zemamra)

Ishimwe moved to two clubs in the just-concluded transfer window. At first, he was released by APR FC and went on to sign for Police FC for Rwf15 million in July.

There was, however, a twist of event. Just three weeks in Police fold, Ishimwe was offered to trials at Moroccan Botola League side RCA Zemamra.

The Rwanda international left Police FC preseason training camp in Uganda and successfully passed the trials. Zemamra agreed to buy his Police FC contract for an undisclosed fee.

Ishimwe signed for the club on a one-year deal with an option for extension.