Abarashi Girls football team believe they can win the third edition of Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Youth Championships, according to their coach Jeanne d’Arch Mahoro.

Gatsibo-based Abarashi have set eyes on lifting the national level title after claiming the Eastern Province trophy last Sunday.

They beat rivals Agahozo Shalom 2-0 in the final of the zone level to qualify for the semi-finals at the national level which will be held at Kiziguro playgrounds in Gatsibo district next month.

Talking to Times Sport in a recent interview after winning the zonal title, Mahoro said they have turned focus to national title and she is confident her team has the potential to dethrone AS Kigali academy as national champions.

"Honestly speaking, winning the provincial title and qualifying for the semi-finals is a big achievement for our team. However, we won’t settle for less at the national level. Our target is the title,” she told Times Sport.

Last year, Abarashi also represented the Eastern Province at national level but were eliminated in the quarter-finals and are eyeing redemption to clinch this year’s crown. Unlike the previous two editions, this year’s there will be quarter-finals.

Rubavu District hosted finals of the inaugural and second edition and Musanze District will host this year’s finals.This year’s former APR FC and Amavubi Stars forward Jimmy Mulisa is the icon of the 2015 Airtel Rising Stars.

Last year it was Arsenal FC legend Tony Adams while the maiden season’s icon in 2013 was former Cameroun international and Arsenal legendary right-back Laureano Bisan Etame Mayer.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw