Rwandan football giants APR FC and Rayon Sports are gearing up for an electrifying season with strategic player transfers and managerial changes. The upcoming CAF competitions promise dynamic transformations for these celebrated local teams.
APR FC wrapped up the season triumphantly, winning the League Trophy, Peace Cup, and Heroes Cup, securing their place in the CAF Champions League. Conversely, Rayon Sports is focusing on rebuilding and drawing valuable lessons as they prepare for the CAF Confederations Cup.
On Tuesday, Rayon Sports’ President, Twagirayezu Thadee, announced he was traveling. Later, it was disclosed that he was en route to negotiate player loans with Tanzania's Yanga SC. The club is eying Jonathan Kapelo Ikangalombo from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Duke Abuya from Kenya.
The Ghana Premier League's Berekum Chelsea has proposed a $100,000 fee (approximately 145 million Rwandan Francs) for APR FC to acquire their striker and captain, Stephen Amankona.
Amankona, versatile in multiple attacking roles, has earned recognition as Ghana's top scorer for two consecutive seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25). However, APR FC must battle competition from other African super clubs, including Tanzania's Yanga SC and Simba, South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs, and Egypt's Ismaily SC.
Burundian coach Armel Amoro is set to lead Espoir FC, recently promoted to Rwanda’s second division in the 2025/26 season. Having previously propelled Gicumbi FC to the first division, Amoro is determined to repeat his success with his new team, reports The New Times.
Musanze FC is reportedly in discussions with Ugandan coach Wasswa Bbosa for the role of head coach. This development follows the election of Nsengiyumva Richard as the club’s new president, succeeding Placide Tuyishime, who stepped down after the football season concluded.
Sostene Habimana’s tenure as coach at Musanze FC ends in June 2025, with renewal unlikely due to last season's shortcomings. Bbosa, known for his stint at Uganda's Kitara FC, emerges as a strong candidate to replace him.
Forward Moro Sumaila, who concluded his contract with Rubavu's Etincelles FC, is anticipated to join Gicumbi FC to fortify its offensive lineup, coinciding with the team’s recent promotion.
Also, Rayon Sports is pursuing Abedi Bigirimana, a former Police FC player currently available after his contract ended. Bigirimana is reportedly demanding a 40 million Rwandan Francs signing fee to join Rayon Sports, famously nicknamed “Gikundiro.”
Rayon Sports is targeting Jonathan Ikangalombo from Yanga SC.
Rayon Sports is pursuing Duke Abuya.
APR FC is interested in Ghanaian football star Stephen Amankona.