Foreign players’ quota scandal, Blues’ revolution dominate Rwanda Premier League headlines

The Rwanda Premier League was shaped by controversies, drama, entertaining football and comebacks as teams returned to action for match day 8 action over the weekend. A total of 19 goals were scored across various stadiums with Etincelles being the only team to win away from home thanks to their narrow 1-0 win over Gasogi United at Kigali Pele Stadium. From Issah Yakubu’s sending off his goal celebration after inspiring Police FC to a 3-2 comeback against Rutsiro FC to APR’s foreign player limit saga, Times Sport looks at five takeaways from Week 8 of the league. APR's fielding 7 expatriate players, who is at fault? APR played at least five minutes with seven foreign players on the pitch at the same time during their goalless draw at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, exceeding the foreign player limit provided by the recently revised quota which took effect in September. After the game, APR head coach Darko Novic said that the incident was not their fault although he admitted that it was a misunderstanding. It remains to be seen who will pay the price for the incident which, if found guilty, could see the military side lose the match by forfeit. Yakubu's controversial celebration Referee Patience Rulisa, who handled the match during which Police FC came from behind to beat Rutsiro FC 3-2 on Saturday, may have mistakenly showed Issah Yakubu a straight red card, instead of a yellow card, after he took off his shorts in celebration of his 92nd match winner. According to world football governing body (FIFA), any player who removes his jersey during the match is booked with a yellow card. But Yakubu still doesn’t understand how he was shown a straight red card for a similar bookable offense yet he had not received a yellow card. Police FC or the player himself could appeal for the red card in case of referee’s misinterpretation. ALSO READ: APR forfeit vs Gorilla FC over exceeding foreign players limit Gorilla FC's indefatigable midfield proving their value Gorilla FC are undoubtedly the surprise package in the 2024/25 Rwanda Premier League so far this season as they sit second, level on 15 points with league leaders Police who have played a game less. Aside from their goalkeeper Gad Muhawenayo who has been by far the best in the league, they also have a well composed midfield made up of skipper Victor Murdah and Hesbon Rutonesha. The duo has been superb this season and complement each other very well. When one moves forward, the other stays. Rutonesha has been a big headache for the majority of the teams he has played against this season because of his huge body frame. They played together for two seasons under Moussa Gatera at Gorilla FC before Rutonesha went to Police. And when he returned, they formed a telepathic understanding which is making opponents upset. Rayon gradually hitting form Rayon Sports had a slow start to the season, as their opening two matches ended in draws. They were first held to a goalless draw against Marines FC and before Amagaju also upset them with a 2-2 draw at Kigali Pele Stadium despite playing part of the match with a man down. The Blues have finally found their rhythm and they have been superb in their last two games. They beat Bugesera 2-0 before hitting four past Kiyovu, a team they haven't defeated in 8 attempts. There is total cohesion in the team and they now look like real title contenders, they will even improve more as the season progresses. Kiyovu needs an immediate solution Kiyovu Sports must appoint a new head coach or quickly bring back Joslin Bipfubusa, who is on a four-game suspension, to the touchline before it gets too late. The club has some quality players at their disposal and they need a coach who is technically good to mould them into a winsome side. Currently, among the good coaches available are Calum Selby and Rwanda U20 coach Eric Nshimiyimana who was fired by Bugesera FC last season.