The January transfer window of the 2024/2025 season of the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) officially opens on January 3 and will run through 31 as clubs seek to strengthen their squads. Across various leagues globally, the January transfer window is not as intensive as the one of June as clubs focus more on fixing the minimal loopholes in their squads as opposed to general rebuilding processes that are common in the June window. In Rwanda, the situation might not be that different. And as such, teams are expected to do some business this January to fix a couple of problems in their squads in order to strengthen themselves. This season has so far been exciting for Rayon Sports as they are leading the league table and seek to win the title for the first time since their last triumph during the 2018/19 season. Their rivals APR, on the other hand, haven't fared well despite their huge investment in new players last June. Times Sport takes a look at the top four teams, and what type of players they might need going into the second round in regards to the positions they need to reinforce. Rayon Sports Despite leading the league table, Rayon Sports still have some frailties in their team. The Blues are very limited in defensive midfield after Aruna Majaliwa's long term injury and his imminent contract termination. Rayon are left with Richard Ndayishimiye who is a central midfielder but is being used in the defensive midfield. The only natural defensive midfielder Rayon has is Olivier Niyonzima who has been on and off. According to close sources, Rayon will sign three players this window of which one is a defensive midfielder to strengthen the team. Muhazi United skipper Joseph Sackey is reportedly a target as Rayon coach Robertinho is a big fan of him and likes his style. Times Sport understands that initial contact has been made by Rayon but things are in their early stages APR FC The defending champions are struggling in front of goal and winger Arsene Tuyisenge is now being deployed as a central striker as Mamadou Sy and Victor Mbaoma are not scoring. Sy has scored just two goals this season which were all penalties while Mbaoma who was last season's top scorer is yet to score. Reports indicate that APR are chasing after their former striker Innocent Nshuti who is out of contract with US outfit One Knoxville FC. Other players APR can look at include Boateng Mensah of Mukura who scored against them in Kigali. Also, Amagaju's Seraphin Kiza who is on six goals can be a target. The local giants may also look across the region for options, since they have already showcased their purchasing prowess when it comes to international players. In this case, one of the top names in the regional is Ugandan livewire striker Denis Omedi who recently made news when his goal was nominated to compete for both the FIFA Puskas Award and the CAF best goal award. Omedi who is now one of the key players for the Ugandan national team, has reportedly attracted interest from big regional clubs like Yanga SC of Tanzania and KCCA in his native Uganda. Will APR join the list of his admirers? It would be smart business for them. ALSO READ: Ngagne hits brace as Rayon edge AS Kigali Police FC The law enforcers are third on the league table, but just like Rayon Sports, their major problem is defensive midfield. They need someone to replace or support Eric Nsabimana. Both its defensive midfielders Simeon Iradukunda and Henry Msanga are not good ball winners, and so, Police need a ball winner. Muhazi United skipper Joseph Sackey is reportedly high on the wanted list of Police. They want a player who can do the dirty work in midfield so that others will go and score. Again, Police have a goalkeeping issue since as of now they don't have their number 1. They rotate between Onesme Rukundo and Patient Niyongira. Who knows? Another keeper can come and bench the duo. AS Kigali The Citizens have a squad full of experienced players like Emmanuel Okwi, Shaban Hussein, Jean Bosco Akayezu, Christophe Bukuru among others. AS Kigali's problem is replacement for Hussein and Okwi. The duo are fantastic when they are fit and play together. However, they struggle when one of them is not there. For example, AS Kigali suffered against Rayon because of Okwi's absence. Yves Habimana of Rutsiro or any of the smaller teams strikers could help the Citizens.”
