Hi there! If you love football, the Rwanda Premier League is fun to follow. It’s the best league in Rwanda. We call it the RPL for short. In this guide, I will tell you all you need to know. You will learn about teams, games, and stars. Let’s get started.
What Is the Rwanda Premier League?
The Rwanda Premier League is the top football level in Rwanda. It started in 1969. Now, 18 teams play in it. Each team plays home and away games. The winner gets to play in big Africa cups like the CAF Champions League.
Teams can go down to a lower league if they finish low. New teams come up. The league has had name changes. For a time, it was the Primus League. Then Azam. Now it’s just RPL.
We have facts about it:
- Run by: Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA)
- Teams: 18
- Top level: Yes
- Cups: Rwanda Cup and Super Cup
- TV: RTV, Magic Sports TV, StarTimes
This league grows each year. Fans pack the stands in Kigali and other spots.
The History of the Rwanda Premier League
The league began in 1969. Kiyovu Sports won first. It grew fast. But some years had no games. Like 1990-91 due to tough times.
In 1975, it got strong. Teams like APR and Rayon Sports rose up. APR has won most times. In 2009, it got a sponsor name. That helped money come in.
A big change came in 2025. Two teams from Sudan joined. Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Why? War in Sudan. CAF said yes. This makes the league fresh and strong.
Some years we don’t know winners. Like 1976-79. But now, records are better. The league helps Rwanda football shine in Africa.
Current Teams in the League
Here are the teams for 2025/26. They come from all over Rwanda. Some from Kigali.
| Team Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Al-Hilal Omdurman | Sudan (guest) |
| Al-Merreikh | Sudan (guest) |
| Amagaju F.C. | Nyamagabe |
| APR F.C. | Kigali |
| AS Kigali FC | Kigali |
| A.S. Muhanga | Muhanga |
| Bugesera F.C. | Nyamata |
| Etincelles F.C. | Gisenyi |
| Gasogi United | Kigali |
| Gorilla F.C. | Kigali |
| Gicumbi F.C. | Byumba |
| S.C. Kiyovu Sports | Kigali |
| Marines F.C. | Gisenyi |
| Mukura Victory Sports | Butare |
| Musanze F.C. | Ruhengeri |
| Police F.C. | Kigali |
| Rayon Sports F.C. | Nyanza |
| Rutsiro FC | Rutsiro |
These teams fight hard each week. You can pick one to cheer for.
Past Champions
Who won in past years? Here is a list. APR wins a lot.
- 1969: Kiyovu Sports
- 1970: Kiyovu Sports
- 1971: Panthères Noires
- 1972: Panthères Noires
- 1973: Panthères Noires
- 1974: Kiyovu Sports
- 1975: Kiyovu Sports
- 1976-79: Unknown
- 1980: Panthères Noires
- 1981: Kiyovu Sports
- 1982: Kiyovu Sports
- 1983: Panthères Noires
- 1984: Mukungwa
- 1985: Panthères Noires
- 1986: Panthères Noires
- 1987: Panthères Noires
- 1988: Mukungwa
- 1989: Mukungwa
- 1990-91: No championship
- 1992: APR
- 1993: Kiyovu Sports
- 1994: APR
- 1995: Rayon Sports
- 1996: APR
- 1997: Rayon Sports
- 1998: Rayon Sports
- 1999: APR
- 2000: APR
- 2001: APR
- 2002: Panthères Noires
- 2003: APR
- 2004: APR
- 2005: APR
- 2006: APR
- 2006-07: APR
- 2007-08: ATRACO
- 2008-09: APR
- 2009-10: APR
- 2010-11: APR
- 2011-12: APR
- 2012-13: Rayon Sports
- 2013-14: APR
- 2014-15: APR
- 2015-16: APR
- 2016-17: Rayon Sports
- 2017-18: APR
- 2018-19: Rayon Sports
- 2019-20: APR
- 2020-21: APR
- 2021-22: APR
- 2022-23: APR
- 2023-24: APR
- 2024-25: APR
APR just won again last year.
Top Clubs by Titles
Which clubs have most wins? Here is a table.
| Club | Titles | Last Win |
|---|---|---|
| APR F.C. | 23 | 2025 |
| Rayon Sports F.C. | 9 | 2019 |
| Panthères Noires | 5 | 1987 |
| S.C. Kiyovu Sports | 6 | 1993 |
| Mukungwa F.C. | 2 | 1989 |
| ATRACO F.C. | 1 | 2008 |
APR leads by far. They are like the kings.
All-Time Top Goalscorers
Goals make football exciting. Here are top scorers from past seasons.
| Year | Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Luleuti Kyayuna | APR | 9 |
| 2003 | Milly | APR | 12 |
| 2004 | Abed Mulenda | Rayon Sports | 14 |
| 2004 | Olivier Karekezi | APR | 14 |
| 2005 | Jimmy Gatete | APR | 13 |
| 2006 | André Lomami | APR | 13 |
| 2006-07 | Labama Bokota | Rayon Sports | 14 |
| 2008-09 | Jean Lomami | ATRACO | 12 |
| 2010-11 | Meddie Kagere | Police | 16 |
| 2011-12 | Olivier Karekezi | APR | 14 |
| 2014-15 | Isaie Songa | APR | 14 |
| 2016-17 | Dany Usengimana | Police | 19 |
| 2019-20 | Samson Babua | Sunrise | 15 |
| 2022-23 | Hussein Shabani | Kigali | 14 |
| 2023-24 | Ani Elijah | Bugesera | 15 |
| 2023-24 | Victor Mbaoma | APR | 15 |
Some years we don’t have data. But these guys scored big.
Read: Winner Rwanda: Top Guide to Bet on Sports, Win Bonuses, and Play Safe 2026
Current Season (2025/26) Standings
Right now, the 2025/26 season is hot. Al-Hilal leads. Here is the table as of late Jan 2026.
| Pos | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For/Against | Goal Diff | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Hilal Omdurman | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 39:10 | +29 | 35 |
| 2 | Police | 17 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 18:7 | +11 | 34 |
| 3 | APR | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 21:10 | +11 | 33 |
| 4 | Al-Merreikh | 16 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 18:10 | +8 | 32 |
| 5 | Kiyovu | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 16:9 | +7 | 27 |
| 6 | Mukura Victory Sports | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 17:14 | +3 | 27 |
| 7 | Rayon Sport | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 21:21 | 0 | 26 |
| 8 | Musanze | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 24:19 | +5 | 25 |
| 9 | Marines | 17 | 8 | 1 | 8 | 19:16 | +3 | 25 |
| 10 | Gasogi United | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 14:19 | -5 | 22 |
| 11 | Gicumbi | 17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 22:26 | -4 | 21 |
| 12 | Bugesera | 17 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 14:17 | -3 | 20 |
| 13 | Gorilla | 17 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 11:18 | -7 | 18 |
| 14 | AS Kigali | 17 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 12:19 | -7 | 16 |
| 15 | Rutsiro | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 17:26 | -9 | 14 |
| 16 | Muhanga | 17 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 18:23 | -5 | 12 |
| 17 | Amagaju | 17 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 16:23 | -7 | 12 |
| 18 | Etincelles | 17 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 12:22 | -10 | 11 |
The Sudanese teams are doing great. Keep an eye on the top.
Recent Results and Upcoming Fixtures
Games happen fast. Here are some recent ones:
- Mukura Victory Sports 1-1 Rayon Sport
- Al-Merreikh 2-2 Rayon Sport
- APR 0-0 Al-Merreikh
- Al-Hilal Omdurman 4-0 Rayon Sport
- Al-Hilal Omdurman 3-0 Muhanga
- Amagaju 0-1 APR
Next games to watch:
- Gicumbi vs Musanze
- Amagaju vs Marines
- Kiyovu vs Gorilla
- Bugesera vs Al-Hilal Omdurman
- Mukura Victory Sports vs Etincelles
- Gasogi United vs APR
Check scores often. They change quick.
Notable Players in the League
The league has great players. Some from Rwanda, some from other lands.
Past stars:
- Olivier Karekezi: Scored lots for APR.
- Jimmy Gatete: Big goal man.
- Meddie Kagere: Top in 2010-11.
Now in 2025/26:
- Emmanuel Flomo (Al-Hilal): Leads goals. Young and fast.
- Tambwe Gloire Ngongo (Rayon Sports): 2 goals early, plus assists.
- Byiringiro Lague (Police FC): Quick winger with goals.
- Ndikumana Asman (Rayon Sports): Strong striker.
- Kokoete Udo (Gasogi United): Nigerian power.
- Victor Mbaoma: Past top scorer for APR.
These guys make games fun. Watch them score.
How to Watch and Follow the League
You want to see games? Easy ways.
- On TV: Tune to RTV or StarTimes in Rwanda.
- Online: Use apps like Flashscore or Sofascore for live scores.
- In person: Go to stadiums in Kigali. Tickets are cheap.
- Social: Follow on Facebook or X for news.
Start with live updates. You will love it.
Fun Facts About the Rwanda Premier League
Here are cool bits:
- Sudanese teams joined in 2025. First time ever.
- APR won 23 times. That’s a record.
- Some seasons had no winner due to history.
- The league helps players go to Europe.
- Fans sing loud at games.
These make RPL special.
Conclusion
The Rwanda Premier League is growing fast and full of excitement right now. With Sudanese giants like Al-Hilal leading the pack in the 2025/26 season, traditional powerhouses like APR and Police fighting hard, and new talents lighting up the pitch, this league offers non-stop action for every football fan.
Whether you’re tracking live standings, cheering for your favorite team, or hunting for the next big goalscorer, the RPL delivers real drama week after week. It’s more than just games—it’s Rwanda’s football heart beating strong.
FAQs
When does the Rwanda Premier League season start?
It starts in August or September. Ends in May.
Who is the current champion?
APR won in 2024-25. They hold the title.
How many teams get relegated?
Two teams go down each year. Two come up.
Can foreign players play?
Yes. Many from Africa. Like Burundi or Nigeria.
What is the biggest rivalry?
APR vs Rayon Sports. Fans call it the big clash.
How do teams qualify for Africa cups?
Top team to Champions League. Second to Confederation Cup.
Is there a women’s league?
Yes, but this guide is for men’s.
Who leads goals this season?
Emmanuel Flomo is top now.
Where can I buy tickets?
At stadiums or team sites.
Why Sudanese teams?
Due to war there. They play as guests.
