APR FC were arguably among the most active clubs in the June-July 2024 transfer window, spending hundreds of million francs on club’s massive rebuild. The move saw the club bring in striker Mamadou Sy from Mauritanian outfit Nouakchott Kings as the man to lead their attack. He is now in tough competition for a starting berth upfront with Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma who finished as the joint top scorer of the 2023/24 Rwanda Premier League season. Mbaoma has, however, virtually been oblivion this season. He has failed to find the back of the net this season and have eventually lost his starting place to Sy is also yet to prove his worth with just two penalty goals scored (vs Vision FC) so far this campaign. ALSO READ: APR share spoils with Police FC in epic encounter APR head coach Darko Novic admits his side has attacking problems. After club’s 1-1 draw against Police FC on December 4, the Serbian tactician admitted that they are still lagging behind in attack. Mamadou is not fully fit, he cannot play full 90 minutes, that is why I always take him out later in the second half, Novic told the press We have an attacking problem. There is no striker on the bench and we have to convert either Arsene Tuyisenge or Johnson Chidiebere into centre forward. Novic's assertion is pretty right. APR have good defenders and midfielders and they create many chances whose majority have gone to waste considering that the likes of Sy continues to struggle in finishing while Mbaoma remains sidelined through injury. The Rwandan champions have not scored more than two goals per game this season while their title rivals Rayon, Police and others have been ruthless in front of goal. Should APR move for a striker in January? It is early days yet but, reference to the current situation, Mamadou Sy will need time to adapt. He has been struggling in front of goal and Mbaoma, on the other hand, is currently looking lost at sea when he gets the chance to play. Having a clinical finisher is not a guarantee that you will win games as every player can score but it helps your team to be intact. Again, a great finisher will bring more bite to the attack of APR and, in big games, he can be the deciding factor. The first transfer window of 2025 opens on January 1 and Novic will have to get a potent striker if he wants to retain the league title. Or else, the title could be getting out of his hands. For now, Rayon have Fall Ngagne, Police have Peter Agblevor and Elijah Ani, AS Kigali have Hussein Shaban and Emmanuel Okwi. These are experienced attackers who can pop up on any day and do magic. APR must beef up their attack if they really want to win a silverware this season.
