Table leaders AS Kigali are in pole position to win the National Football League title this season after they assumed the league summit on Saturday after seeing off Etincelles 3-2 in Rubavu.

Eric Nshimiyimana’s side currently has 44 points, three ahead of the reigning champions APR who have two games in hand and with four games to the end of the season, the race is expected to go to the wire.

With no continental commitments to destruct AS Kigali, the table leaders have shown quality in keeping pace with APR who are winless in six games in all competitions including a goalless draw against AS Kigali.

Strikers Isaie Songa (11 goals) and Ernest Sugira (10 goals) have shown quality upfront netting a combined 21 goals making them the strongest and fiercest striking partnership in the league.

Both are rejects at APR and have since come alive under Nshimiyimana whose patience has paid off in molding the youngsters into quality forwards. The duo has recently improved their movement upfront with and without the ball and has enjoyed remarkable communication between them.

Justin Mico’s mobility on the right wing with freedom to operate anywhere in midfield has granted AS Kigali an extra gem in attack and his ability to fall back for defense when they lose possession has been key to neutralizing their opponent’s attempted counter attacks.

A well timed tackle once in a while has made him the complete wing back Nshimiyimana needs when facing teams that like to play the ball wide like APR.

Nshimiyimana who is eyeing his debut league title as a coach and the first for the club acknowledges that maintaining the winning momentum is very important in achieving their dream.

The former APR defender knows that the battle is far from over but he believes his players have what it takes to keep pace with the army side.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw