Saturday

Thousand Hills          vs    Resilience        9am

It will be history in the making when Thousand Hills take on Resilience RFC in the final of the 2016 National Rugby League on Saturday at the Gatenga Youth Center.

Both clubs don’t have much history especially Resilience, who are only making their debut in the national league, which means a win will help to build a legacy for the Rusizi-based outfit, according to coach/player and captain Donatien Ufitimfura.

"When we started the league, our major goal was to get to the semi-finals because we felt it could be harder, but we got there and we are ready for any outcome but winning would be the icing on the cake because, for us this has been a remarkable first season in the national league,” he told Times Sport.

Ufitimfura pointed out the team won’t rely on their pace and fitness alone, which saved them in the semi-finals against Lion de Fer and all season.

He noted that, "We have been training hard and working to improve on our other areas. We have had to work on our rucks and mauls because Thousand Hills also have the pace, so we can’t rely only on pace and fitness as our major strength.”

For Thousand Hills, who are in their second season, coach Jimmy Adams Mugabo has prepared his charges to do what they need to do to win the title.

"We are prepared mentally and physically. Resilience are fit and play basics well but I am emphasizing to my players the need to be confident on the ball and avoid contact; we don’t want to be selfish on the ball,” said Mugabo.

He added: "Winning will be a step forward as a club, because next season we want to start on a better standard. The trophy can help us in finding sponsors.”

Last season, debutants Thousand Hills lost to record 8-time league champions Remera Buffaloes 17-10 in the title match played at the Utexrwa ground.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw