Rwandan Football 2025: Transfer Market Roundup So Far
By IRIHOSE GENTIL
As Rwandan football gears up for a crucial 2025/26 season, the transfer window has witnessed a flurry of activities, headlined by major moves, contract expirations, contract extensions and ambitious signings — especially from the league’s giants APR FC and Rayon Sports. With clubs also preparing for continental competitions, the transfer market has been more competitive and strategic than ever.
🔥 APR FC Lead the Transfer Race
APR FC, reigning champions of the Rwanda Premier League, have once again dominated the transfer headlines with a number of high-profile acquisitions aimed at reinforcing their squad ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.
The army side stunned the league in January 2025 by signing Djibril Ouattara, a Burkinabé striker formerly with JS Kabylie and RS Berkane. His arrival added significant firepower to ti their attack as be netted 11 league goals in the second round. APR didn’t stop there — they also landed Denis Omedi, a Ugandan international winger from Kitara FC, and Hakim Kiwanuka from Villa SC.
In the June-July window, the club shifted focus to domestic targets. They secured:
- Adolphe Hakizimana, goalkeeper from AS Kigali,
- Iraguha Hadji and Hakim Bugingo from rivals Rayon Sports,
- Pacifique Ngabonziza from Police FC,
- Fitina Omborenga, rejoining after a stint at Rayon
- Ronald Ssekiganda from SC Villa
APR also added Raouf Memel Dao, a promising midfielder from Burkina Faso’s Sonabel FC. Reports indicate they are actively pursuing Stephen Amankona, a Ghanaian striker and Golden Boot winner who plays for Berekum Chelsea along with Ali Serumogo, a right-back from Rayon.
🔵 Rayon Sports Rebuilds with Quiet Confidence
Rayon Sports, also preparing for CAF Confederation Cup football, lost several first-team players whose contracts expired mid-year, including Omborenga, Serumogo, Iraguha, and Kevin Muhire.
To balance the scales, they brought in a Burundian left-back from Vital’o FC and Chris Rushema (Mukura VS).
Despite some major exits, Rayon’s recruitment strategy seems focused on strengthening their defensive line and grooming youth talent — a shift that could pay off in the long run.
👮 Police FC Secure Big Return
Police FC made headlines by re-signing Rwandan international Lague Byiringiro, who returned from Sweden’s Sandvikens IF on a 1.5-year contract reportedly worth over Rwf 40 million. His comeback was a significant coup and could signal Police’s intention to push for a top-three finish next season.
🟡 Other Clubs Active in Market
Several other Rwandan clubs were active in the window:
- Gorilla added Burundian and Congolese talent to boost their midfield.
- Mukura Victory Sports brought in Destin Malanda from Amagaju FC, focusing on raw forward talent.
- AS Kigali, Bugesera FC, Musanze FC, and Gasogi United also shuffled their rosters, largely driven by contract expiries and budget constraints.
- Jamus FC of South Sudan pulled off a rare cross-border deal, signing Kevin Muhire, formerly with Rayon Sports, marking another example of Rwandan exports moving into regional leagues.
