Over the years, nothing has been as predictable as the Rwandan National Football League. The obvious winners – APR – were very often known on the onset. The title challengers too, or rather, pretenders – Rayon Sports -were always there to fall short whenever expected.

But now, the scenario is bit by bit changing. Police FC has rapidly emerged as a serious threat to APR’s supremacy of two decades, while Rayon Sports continue to wither away in worrying fashion.

Much as the club arguably brags of more fans than any other club in Rwanda, its resources and day-to-day administration are as appalling as a bird with no wings.

As a matter of fact, it will be a surprise if Rayon Sports pull off a title challenge. As the Nyanza-based club declines further, Police FC continues to ascend, and looks every inch as the spanking new and strong contender for the league title.

The Police side shook off all bluff and spent a lot of money to acquire sixteen new players, most of whom have blended in well.

Among those include players snatched from rivals - midfielder Hegman Ngomirakiza from APR, Robert Ndatimana from Rayon Sports and twin brothers Isaie Songa and Isaac Muganza from AS Kigali and Rayon Sports respectively.

The team’s head coach, Andre Casa Mbungo has also indicated that he’s up for the test.

He led the club to its first ever trophy when they beat Rayon Sports in the Peace Cup final on July 4– but before that - they had eliminated strong favorites APR FC in the semi-finals.

Police is also poised to play in the Agaciro Cup final after eliminating APR in the quarter-finals and Musanze FC in the last four. They will face Sunrise FC tomorrow at Amahoro National Stadium—Sunrise, coached by former APR and Amavubi Stars midfielder, Jimmy Mulisa edged out Rayon Sports on penalties in the semi-finals.

Once they manage to be more consistent than previous title challengers, Police will certainly offer us a juicy competition, and probably, this season will be a new dawn that stamps out APR’s longstanding dominance.

English clubs have a chance to impress in the Champions league

Staunch fans of the English Premier League have for long suffered embarrassment in the UEFA Champions League.

They have been on the losing side every time they face worthy opponents – be it Bayern Munich against Arsenal, Barcelona against Manchester City, or Chelsea against PSG – the outcome has been the same negative results for English clubs.

Spanish clubs are currently at their best, and they have enjoyed incomparable success in the European cup. Real Madrid won their tenth cup in 2013/14 and Barcelona won their fifth in 2014/15 – while – they continue to be favorites for the title every season.

Last season was particularly very poor for English clubs, considering that none made it to the quarter-finals of Europe’s biggest club competition. What made it worse was the manner in which they were eliminated.

Arsenal was pitted against Monaco in the last sixteen, and although they were favorites, they were edged out. And no one can forget the style in which Chelsea was disciplined by PSG, or how Manchester City coiled against Barcelona.

However, with the return of Manchester United to the Champions League, England once again could get its glory days back.

All the four teams in the competition have greatly improved – and City will only have to overcome its inferiority complex to start performing well because they do have the squad that can compete.

After a long time, we are once again likely to witness an English club in the final, or at least two in the semi -finals.

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