The 2026/27 BK Pro League season has kicked off with 18 clubs chasing domestic glory, but the battle for the title will also be shaped by a new generation of stars, established goal scorers and high-profile summer recruits.
Sixteen Rwandan clubs and two Sudanese sides are competing in the expanded league, which runs until May 2027.
Among the players attracting the most attention are proven goal scorers, emerging Rwandan talents and new signings expected to transform their teams. Based on their recent performances and assessments from sports journalists, these are 10 players to watch during the new campaign.
Cheick Djibril Ouattara – APR FC
Burkina Faso forward and APR FC captain Cheick Djibril Ouattara remains one of the most feared strikers in Rwanda.
Since joining APR FC from Algerian side JS Kabylie in January 2025, Ouattara has established himself as the club’s leading goal scorer.
Despite arriving midway through the 2024/25 season, he scored 12 league goals. He then produced an even stronger campaign in 2025/26, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals.
He also shared the Golden Boot at the CECAFA Kagame Cup after scoring three goals.
With APR FC targeting an eighth consecutive league title, much of the club’s attacking responsibility will again rest on Ouattara.
Iradukunda Eli Tatou – Rayon Sports
Iradukunda Eli Tatou has emerged as one of Rayon Sports’ most exciting young attackers since arriving from Mukura VS&L.
Initially brought in as a substitute, the winger quickly forced his way into the starting lineup through his performances.
He played an important role in Rayon Sports’ historic CECAFA Kagame Cup triumph and further captured attention when he scored directly from a corner during a 3-0 friendly victory over Kenya’s Mathare United.
His pace, confidence and attacking threat make him one of the Rwandan players expected to make a major impact this season.
Mamadou Traoré – APR FC
Malian midfielder Mamadou Traoré arrived at APR FC from Stade Malien, where he had served as captain, and quickly showed why the club invested in him.
He impressed during APR FC’s recent matches, particularly at the CECAFA Kagame Cup, where he scored twice.
The 2026/27 campaign will be his first in the BK Pro League, but expectations are already high. APR FC will need his experience and creativity in midfield as the club pursues another league title.
Dande Junior – Rayon Sports
Cameroonian goalkeeper Dande Junior has made an impressive start to his Rayon Sports career.
Signed from Canon Sportif de Yaoundé as a replacement for Kwizera Olivier, Dande conceded just two goals in his first nine appearances for the club.
His performances earned him the best goalkeeper award at the CECAFA Kagame Cup after conceding only twice in five matches.
If he can maintain that consistency in the league, Dande could become one of the defining goalkeepers of the season.
Muhoza Daniel – Rayon Sports
Young midfielder Muhoza Daniel is another Rayon Sports player whose influence could grow significantly this season.
He joined the club from Etoile de l’Est and, despite not yet being a regular starter, has repeatedly changed the rhythm of matches when introduced from the bench.
He has already scored three goals for Rayon Sports, including the goal that helped secure the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
With clubs limited in the number of foreign players they can field, Muhoza is likely to receive more opportunities under coach Haringingo Francis Christian.
Hakim Hamis – Kiyovu Sports
Hakim Hamis enters the new season as one of Kiyovu Sports’ midfielders to watch after moving from Gasogi United.
His transfer attracted controversy, with Gasogi claiming he was still under contract before the dispute was eventually resolved and the player received clearance.
Hamis has already given Kiyovu fans a reason for optimism, scoring the decisive goal that earned the club the FERWAFA Turbo King Super Cup.
He will now be expected to carry that form into the league and become a key figure in Kiyovu’s midfield.
Uwiyaremye Fidali – APR FC
Rwandan striker Uwiyaremye Fidali earned his move to APR FC after an impressive season with Kiyovu Sports.
He scored 11 league goals in 2025/26, earning a call-up to the Rwanda national team, Amavubi.
His transition to APR FC has also started positively, with four goals in the club’s recent friendly matches.
The new season presents a major opportunity for Uwiyaremye to prove that his breakthrough campaign was no one-off and establish himself among Rwanda’s leading strikers.
Muderi Akbar – Rayon Sports
Burundian midfielder Muderi Akbar has quickly become an important part of Rayon Sports’ midfield after joining from Gasogi United.
Strong, energetic and known for his work rate, Muderi has established himself as a regular presence in the team.
His ability to cover ground and contribute throughout the match could prove crucial as Rayon Sports attempts to translate its recent continental success into domestic dominance.
Hoziana Kennedy – Kigali FC
Hoziana Kennedy is among the young Rwandan players expected to take another step forward this season.
The midfielder joined Kigali FC, formerly AS Kigali, after an impressive campaign with Marine FC.
His development has been notable since he made his top-flight debut at just 16 while playing for Bugesera FC in the 2021/22 season.
After standing out among Rwanda’s young players last season, Hoziana now has a fresh challenge at Kigali FC and an opportunity to establish himself as one of the league’s emerging midfield talents.
Ansumana Samura – Al-Hilal SC Omdurman
At 19, Gambian winger Ansumana Samura is one of the youngest players on the list, but his early performances suggest he could become one of the season’s breakout stars.
Samura joined Al-Hilal SC Omdurman from Gambian side Gambinos Stars during the off-season following the departure of Burundian forward Girumugisha Jean Claude.
He made an immediate impression at the CECAFA Kagame Cup, helping Al-Hilal finish third and sharing the tournament’s Golden Boot with Ouattara after scoring three goals.
His record in the previous Gambian season was also impressive: seven goals and eight assists in 30 appearances.
With pace, youth and a proven ability to create and score goals, Samura could provide Al-Hilal with another dangerous attacking option as the club begins its title defence.
