Rayon, APR league tie called off

RWANDA FOOTBALL Federation, (Ferwafa) has postponed the return league game between arch rivals Rayon Sports and APR to a date yet to be confirmed.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

RWANDA FOOTBALL Federation, (Ferwafa) has postponed the return league game between arch rivals Rayon Sports and APR to a date yet to be confirmed.

According to a statement from Ferwafa, the match which was due this Sunday at Stade de Kigali has been pushed because the stadium does not have the capacity to host the massive number of fans which the two popular clubs boast of.

"After meeting officials from Rayon Sports, APR and the National Police, we have found it suitable to postpone this game. There are fears from security organs that they can’t guarantee security if the match is held at this small stadium,” Ferwafa chairman Vincent Degaule Nzamwita said.

Nzamwita said once another date is set, Amahoro stadium will host the match since it has capacity to accommodate many fans.

Amahoro stadium has capacity to host over 25,000 fans while Stade de Kigali can accommodate a maximum 12,000 fans.

However, Rayon Sports were left disgruntled by the decision. The blues, who are facing financial constraints, wanted the match to be held as it was earlier planned and even gave another option of Stade Muhanga but their plea was ignored.

The management of the Nyanza-based club hoped to use the match to get finances to pay salaries of players who, according to reports, are yet to receive their February salaries.

The club is worried that they might lose some of their players due to financial challenges. The league is set to be put on hold until April 19 to pave way for the 20th commemoration of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

 In a previous match in November last year, APR beat Rayon Sports 1-0 at Amahoro stadium courtesy of Charles Bayingana’s strike.

With 20 matches played this season, APR leads the Turbo King League standings with 49 points, three ahead of Rayon Sports.