AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana has tipped his side to win their first league title after the Kigali City Council side went 3 points clear at the top of the Azam Rwanda Premier League.

The Nyamirambo-based side extended their unbeaten run this season following a 1-0 win over Musanze on Saturday, thanks to striker Onesma Twizeyimana’s second half strike. The game that had initially been scheduled in November was postponed after heavy rains left the Musanze pitch flooded with water.

AS Kigali finished in second place last season with just 3 points behind league champions APR, and Nshimiyimana thinks his team is now better and capable of winning their first league title.

"I expect this season’s league to be more competitive with around five teams having a realistic chance of winning it. My team is definitely in that mix, I think we have better players than last season and there is a good blend of both youth and experience,” Nshimiyimana said.

AS Kigali is top of the Azam Rwanda Premier league table with 21 points from nine matches, Rayon Sports and APR are second and third respectively with 18 points.

Friendly matches

Meanwhile AS Kigali is lining up friendly games to keep players in shape as the league goes on a break until February after the CHAN championship which starts on January 16 and runs until February 7.

"We have close to two months where the team won't be playing. It is not ideal for teams like ours which have few players in the national team because majority of our squad will not be fit when the league resumes. We are looking for teams to play friendlies so that the players keep fit,”