APR test Rusizi, CSK eyes revenge

Play-offs
(NPC Gymnasium)
Marine     v    CSK
APR           v    Rusizi
Ladies
UNR          v    APR

CSK’s 3-0 whitewash defeat in last year’s play-off final against Marines is still fresh and revenge will be top on the agenda when the two sides clash today in one of three play-off ties to be played at the NPC Gymnasium. 

The defending champions did not have the best campaign in the regular season after being involved in a series of transfer fracas and had since played catch up to 2006 champions APR.

However, ahead of the play-offs, Marines’ coach Janvier Kamanzi sounded a warning to his opponents, insisting that his team is back to its best form and ready to defend their title.

"We started off on the wrong note with some controversies over some player transfers and from then on, we played catch up to APR. On top of that, the team was also short on numbers.

"What’s important and satisfying though is that we still made the play-offs and have since looked in good touch. Training sessions have been very satisfying and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he noted.

Marine will be led by their captain Fiston Muhire, the same lad who inspired them to their maiden title last year. On the other hand, Crispin Gishoma will lead CSK’s vengeance.

Meanwhile, APR are also looking to carry on with their 100% record when they battle against Rusizi in the other play-off game.

The Indomitable Lions have a genuine edge over Rusizi after becoming only the first club to finish the regular season unbeaten but Cliff Owuor has cautioned his players not to rest on their regular season laurels.

"The regular season is a closed chapter. We have a new task at hand,” he said.

The play-offs were moved to the Gymnasium because of the renovation work being done on Amahoro Indoor stadium.

Ends