The talent of Lague Byiringiro is barely doubted. Right from his youth football days at now defunct Isonga FC all the way to APR FC, he has shown such a potential of a quality footballer who can excel in his career. Even before his 21st birthday, Byiringiro was an Amavubi regular. He announced his presence on the international stage with a superb long range goal as Rwanda beat Mozambique 1-0 on March 24, 2021 in an AFCON 2021 qualifier. He went for pro trials with FC Zurich but couldn't secure a deal only to return to continue with boyhood club APR FC. Luck smiled on him in January 2023 when he moved to then Swedish third tier club Sandvikens IF on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He went on to register 8 goals and 1 assist in his first season with the club as they qualified to the second league. His second season can, however, be rated as poor as he could manage only 1 goal in 15 games, a performance that prompted the club to terminate his contract through mutual consent. Transfers: Byiringiro joins Police- FC on 18-month deal How did he end up at Police FC? Initially, it was reported that Rayon Sports were in the forefront for Byiringiro’s signature but the deal was triggered by Police FC who are said to have presented an undisclosed mouthwatering offer. Yes! These things are very common in football as it even happens in the top leagues. Chelsea snapped up John Mikel Obi, Willian and Moises Caicedo when they were on their way to Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool. The Law Enforcers gave him an 18-month contract. Is Byiringiro the ideal signing for Police? Police FC were arguably among the top spenders in the June 2024 window. While they had Peter Agblevor whom they acquired from Musanze for Rwf 20 million in January 2024, but that didn’t stop them from spending an estimated Rwf 40 million to get 2023/24 joint top scorer Elijah Ani from Bugesera FC in an attempt to reinforce their attacking department. ALSO READ: Lague Byiringiro the next big talent in Rwandan football They also brought in other attacking players Fred Muhoozi and Richard Kilongozi from Kiyovu Sports as winger Allan Kateregga had been inactive for one year. The general belief was that Police FC were going to be real title contenders for the 2024/25 season...but that assertion is far from reality. The team has had an unimpressive first round after which they sit fourth on the table, 13 points adrift of league leaders Rayon Sports. Police have won 6, drawn 5 and lost 4 games. The club, coached by Vincent Mashami, lost in Kigali at the hands of Amagaju and even struggled against a Bugesera FC team which was in the relegation zone. Despite having an array of stars are lagging behind in some areas, they have been so poor in defensive midfield and on the right wing. Katerrega, who is supposed to play in that position, is always on the bench. It is evident that he isn't up to the task and his output is below par. Mashami has tried options in that area but things haven't worked out. He has used Fred Muhoozi, Chukwuma Odili (naturally plays from the left), Eric Niyonsaba and, in their recent defeat to Rayon Sports, Muhadjiri Hakizimana was deployed in the area at some point. From all indications, Police FC needs a left footed winger who plays from the right and the signing of Lague Byiringiro could effectively solve that position. He knows the league very well and with the experience he has acquired in Europe, he can use it to great effect which could help the club. Again, Peter Agblevor is sidelined again and could be out for many months through his chronic knee injury. Police are just left with one centre-forward in Elijah Ani. On days the Nigerian striker fails to glitter, the team doesn't excel. The signing of Byiringiro will give Mashami another option in the central striking role as the former APR forward is versatile in that position. He can attack from the wings, play behind the striker or even play as the main striker. For now, Byiringiro is certainly an ideal signing for Police FC as he will beef up the attack in so many ways. Now, the next position Mashami should fill is defensive midfield. They certainly need a strong ball winner to play with Henry Msanga. The two signings could help Police FC turn things around during the second round.
