It was a grueling Primus National League football with fantastic displays, near misses, shocks and breathtaking goals and classic moments worth celebrating. APR FC were crowned champions for the fifth time in a row, and the second time unbeaten, a festive ceremony held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, May 12. Some players stood out as they carried their team on their shoulders with exceptional individual exploits that caught the attention of pundits. Times Sport’s football writer Edmund Okayi Gyimah closely followed the 2023/24 PNL campaign and below is his ultimate team of the season. Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila - (APR) The Congolese shot stopper was fantastic between the posts for the army side, pulling up some magnificent saves which were crucial to the team’s unbeaten season. In 30 games, Ndzila conceded only 17 goals, the lowest by any other goalkeeper in the league. His consistent and experience helped APR remain a team to beat. Defense Fitina Omborenga -(APR) Omborenga was more than just a defender. He was also opponents’ threat offensively where he scored four goals in the 2023/24 season, making him the highest scoring defender in the league. The right back was an ever present player for APR, having featured in all the 30 league games. Christian Ishimwe- (APR) The talented left back was superb in the season with his marauding runs down the left flank. He was fantastic going forward as he assisted goals and also tracked back well for his defensive duties. ALSO READ: Who is in the Primus National League team of the season Clement Niyigena -(APR) After an injury had kept him out for the second round of the 2022/23 season, and injury-free Niyigena was in full force during the just-concluded league campaign. The Rwanda international was a pillar at the back as he held opposition attackers at bay. He netted twice this season with one of the goals coaming against AS Kigali in a match that both teams settled for a 2-2 draw. Jean Bosco Akayezu- (AS Kigali) The veteran centre back was a standout in the Citizens team as they forced themselves from the relegation zone to finish fifth. AS Kigali conceded 24 goals which is the second least in the season and this was partly down to Akayezu’s defending prowess which, as a result, earned him a national team call up. He brought stability to the Citizens’ back four and his leadership qualities can barely be overlooked either as he carried the team on occasions when skipper Latif Bishira was injured. Midfield Bosco Ruboneka -(APR) The APR deputy skipper was outstanding in the heart of midfield with his commanding display. He was the fulcrum which the team revolved around and he always lived up to expectations. Ruboneka played as a box-to-box midfielder and contributed both offensively and defensively. He finished the season with five goals. Lethabo Mathaba-(Musanze FC) One of the revelations in the 2023/24 season who doesn't get the needed recognition he deserves. The South African import is part of the reasons Musanze FC moved from a mid-table team to title contenders before they eventually surrendered the title to APR, hence finishing third, their best position ever in the league. In 28 games, the former Black Leopards midfielder had 11-goal contributions, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists. He operates as a deep-lying playmaker but he can also be used in an offensive midfield role. Abdul Rahman Rukundo -(Amagaju) Twelve (12) league goals from a midfielder for a newly promoted team wasn't a fluke. The Burundian was on fire throughout the season with his fine displays. It didn’t long to prove why coach Amars Niyongabo brought him. Attack Muhadjiri Hakizimana - (Police FC) Police FC endured an abysmal season in the league, particularly in the second round, where they managed only two wins out of a possible 15. But their star midfielder Muhadjiri was in his elements throughout the season. He netted 10 goals and rescued his club in tight games in the first round. Muhadjiri is versatile and often acted as the playmaker of the side switching from midfield to attack. Elijah Ani - (Bugesera FC) Arguably the best striker in the 2023/24 season, the Nigerian netted 15 goals in 24 games and finished as joint top scorer with countryman Victor Mbaoma of APR. Ani is lethal and an all-round striker who scored from in and outside the box. He has pace, flair, technique and shear strength. Whenever he started upfront, Ani was primed to score or get create chances and assists for his teammates especially, his attacking partner Farouk Ssentongo to score. Ani is the main reason why Bugesera FC maintained their topflight status as his goals proved vital. He was a man of big occasions, having found the back of the net against APR, Rayon, Police, AS Kigali and Kiyovu Sports which shows his predatory instincts. Richard Kilongozi- (Kiyovu Sports) The Green Baggies were not impressive compared to the previous two seasons but one player who stood out in their fold is Richard Kilongozi. The winger netted 9 league goals this season and provided a couple of assists. On any good day, he is a handful for most lateral defenders especially when he is operating from the right. Coach Thierry Froger (APR FC): The club may have decided against renewing his contract but Froger’s side finished the season unbeaten, breaking the record set by Adil Mohamed Erradi’s APR of the 2021/22 season. Difficult to compare the Frenchman to any other coach at this stage.
