Hakizimana, 24, beat his APR FC former teammate Djihad Bizimana who now plays for Belgian Waasland-Beveren FC and AS Kigali’s Jean Claude Ndarusanze who won the top scorer award.
The victory earned Hakizimana footballer of the year accolade and Rwf 1 million worth of prize money.
The former Ettincelles FC, SC Kiyovu, Mukura VS and AS Kigali forward inspired APR FC to their record-extending 17th league title, scoring 13 goals and was a key part of Ljubomir Petrovic’s side that reached the Peace Cup semi-finals before being seen off by eventual winners Mukura.
Hakizimana was handed the award by Rtd. Brig. Gen. Jean Damascene Sekamana, the President of the Rwanda Football Federation, FERWAFA which organizes the awards giving ceremonies with Azam TV, the official sponsor of the Rwanda National football league.
AS Kigali’s Burundian striker Jean Claude Ndarusanze was also awarded his golden boot following his excellent performances last season where he led the goal scoring chart with 15 goals, as he helped the City of Kigali-sponsored football team to finish second with 61 points, five behind APR. Ndarusanze also pocketed Rwf. 750,000.
The best coach of the year title was won by Coach Emmanuel Ruremesha, former Etincelles Fc coach who joined Musanze Fc last month. Ruremesha unexpectedly guided Rubavu District based side Ettincellles to the fourth place finish in last Azam Rwanda Premier League season. Ruremesha also pocketed Rwf. 1 million prize.
He beat APR FC Serbian coach Ljubomir Ljupko Petrovic and Burundian Mukura VS Coach Haringingo Christian Francis.
Burundian born coach Haringingo Christian Francis who guided Southern Province club Mukura VS to the 2018 Peace Cup was awarded as the revelation coach, beating current Musanze Fc coach Ruremesha Emmanuel and Police Fc coach Zambian Mphande Joel Albert.
Haringingo also pocketed Rwf 500,000 worth of prize money.
APR FC goalie Yves Kimenyi was awarded the best goalkeeper of the year taking home a Rwf500,000 prize beating Mukura VS goalkeeper, Omar Rwabugili and AS Kigali’s Ugandan born goalie Bate Shamiru.
Rayon Sports’ midfielder, Kevin Muhire scooped the promising player award beating APR FC defender, Prince Buregeya and forward Lague Byiringiro. Muhire also bagged a Rwf500,000 cheque as prize.
Team of the Year
The team of the year voted was comprised of Kimenyi Yves (APR FC), Omborenga Fitina (APR FC), Rutanga Eric (Rayon Sports FC), Manzi Thierry (Rayon Sports FC), Rwatubyaye Abdul (Rayon Sports FC), Kakule Mugheni Fabrice (Kiyovu SC), Bizimana Djihad (former APR FC, now Waasland-Beveren FC in Belgium), Muhire Kevin (Rayon Sports FC), Hakizimana Muhadjir (APR FC), Manishimwe Djabel (Rayon Sports FC) and Ndarusanze Jean Claude (AS Kigali).
Each player on the team of the year received an award and cash prize worth Rwf. 100, 000.
The prestigious annual awards ceremony was established in 2016 as a way of celebrating the top-performing footballers of the season as well as recognizing the most exceptional youngsters.
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