Ani, Ruboneka and Muhire in race for player of the year award

Bugesera FC striker Elijah Ani, APR FC midfielder Jean Bosco Ruboneka and Rayon Sports midfielder Kevin Muhire are vying for the inaugural Rwanda Premier League (RPL) player of the year award for the 2023/24 season. The awarding ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 15, at Kigali Serena Hotel. Ani had a remarkable season which he finished at the top of the Primus National League scoring charts with 15 goals which played a crucial role in helping Bugesera FC avoid relegation. He also helped the Nyamata-based side reach the Peace Cup final which they lost to Police FC. Rayon Sports’ midfielder Kevin Muhire is also in the running for the player of the year award. Despite a trophy less season for Rayon, Muhire was at the peak of his performance and he was a standout performer who kept the Blues in the title race even after departures of club key players in Heritier Luvumbu, Abdul Rwatubyaye and Joackiam Ojera. Jean Bosco Ruboneka completes the player of the year award nominees list after he steered APR FC to the 22nd championship. The midfielder was a vital engine in APR’s midfield, helping secure crucial wins that maintained their unbeaten run. ALSO READ: PNL team of the season: Who makes the cut? Besides the player of the year, more standout performers will be recognized 16 categories during the upcoming awarding gala organised by Rwanda Premier League in partnership with Gorilla Games. Rayon Sports’ Pascal Iradukunda (19), Mukura VS’s Elie Iradukunda (18), and Etoile de l’Est’s Daniel Muhozi (18) were nominated in the Young Player of the Year category while contenders for the coach of the year are APR’s Thierry Froger, Musanze FC’s Sosthene Habimana and Mukura VS’s Ahfamia Lofti. For the first time, the awards will also recognize the best sports journalists and media houses for their contributions to sports development, especially football. The New Times, Igihe, Inyarwanda, Isimbi, and Rwanda Magazine are nominees for the best online media award while Jean Luc Imfurayacu (B&B Kigali FM), Sam Karenzi (Fine FC) and Reagan Ndayishimiye (RBA) are vying for the sports journalist of the year award. RPL awards nominees in full Men categories Top scorer of the season Elijah Ani (Bugesera FC)-15 Victor Mbaoma (APR FC)-15 Coach of the season Thierry Froger (APR FC) Sosthene Habimana (Musanze FC) Ahfamia Lofti (Mukura VS) Player of the season Jean Bosco Ruboneka Elijah Ani (Bugesera FC) Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports) Goalkeeper of the season Pavelh Ndzila (APR FC) Nicolas Sebwato (Mukura VS) Djihad Nzeyurwanda (Kiyovu SC) Young player of the season Elie Iradukunda (Mukura VS) Pascal Iradukunda (Rayon Sports) Daniel Muhoza (Etoile de l’Est) Goal of the season Arsene Tuyisenge (Rayon Sports vs Muhazi United) Daniel Muhoza (Etoile de l’Est vs Marines FC) Jean Rene Ishimwe (Marine vs APR FC) Team of the season (to be announced) Women categories Female player of the season Female top scorer of the season Best female coach of the season Referee categories Male referee of the season Female referee of the season Media categories Best Radio sports show: Urubuga rw’Imikino (RBA), 10 Sports Urukiko (Radio 10), Urukiko rw’Ubujurire (FINE FM), Sports Plateau (B&B FM). Best Online sports media: The New Times, Igihe, Inyarwanda, Isimbi, and Rwanda Magazine Best TV sports show: Kickoff (RBA), Bench ya Siporo (Isibo TV), Zoom Sports (TV 10), I Sports (Ishusho TV). Best female sports journalist: Ruth Rigoga (RBA) • Adelaide Ishimwe (TV 10) • Clarisse Uwimana (B&B Kigali FM). Best male sports journalist: Jean Luc Imfurayacu (B&B Kigali FM), Sam Karenzi (Fine FC) and Reagan Ndayishimiye (RBA), Ephrem Kayiranga (Ishusho TV), Claude Hitimana (Radio 10), Axel Rugangura (RBA), Aimé Niyibizi (Fine FM), Thierry Kayishema (RBA).