From three straight losses at the beginning of this tedious season to a rare 1-1 draw against the reigning league champions APR, the past seven days have been a redemption period for Marines FC.

The military side have emerged as a capable threat to league contenders after they stunned Police FC 3-1 before defeating bottom placed Mukura 1-0 on Tuesday which resulted in the latter sacking their head coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga.

Abdul Karim Nduhirabandi’s side has registered seven crucial points in a convincing streak of positive results in the last seven days that has seen everyone in the football corridors wondering what has been behind their redemption.

Marines lost their opening game to Kiyovu 0-2 in Kigali before losing to newcomers Sunrise 0-1 at home. A 1-3 loss to AS Kigali in Kigali a week ago was the last time the Rubavu-based side saw defeat.

"It has been a demanding period for us especially because we have to travel to Kigali and back to Rubavu playing five matches in 17 days in the process. We have very little time to recover,” explained Nduhirabandi.

However, despite all these challenges, Nduhirabandi has attributed his side’s recent success to teamwork and togetherness during a tough period of travelling having a few days of rest amidst recuperation.

Marines FC is currently in 11th position on the table standings with seven points, four behind the fourth placed Kiyovu and seven behind table leaders APR.

In a fresh wave of dominance by upcountry based sides, Sunrise FC has taken the league by storm. The Rwamagana-based side thrashed Isonga 3-0 on Tuesday having held Police 1-1 last week to rise to seventh position with eight points.

AS Kigali continued a goalless drought that has stretched for three consecutive games as they failed to score against Amagaju in Nyamagabe having earlier drawn with Mukura and Police.

Eric Nshimiyimana’s side has lacked the fire power up front but the former Amavubi tactician believes they will return to glory.