Sosthene Habimana, the head coach of Musanze FC, remains confident that his team is a contender for the league title, despite recent setbacks against Police FC and Etoile de l’Est.

Currently sitting in the third position on the league table, the team is continuing to challenge big teams like Rayon Sports and APR for this year’s championship.

READ ALSO: Habimana insists ‘unbeaten’ Musanze FC can win the league title

However, during its last two league matches, the team stumbled as it lost 3-0 to Police FC and drew 0-0 with Etoile de l’Est, a club that is currently at the bottom of the league table.

This was followed by a 2-0 loss to underdogs Vision FC in the Peace Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, January 17 at Mumena Stadium in Kigali.

Speaking in a post-match interview, the coach maintained an optimistic outlook on his team's championship prospects.

"The race is still on. Despite the recent points we dropped, we're still in contention," he noted.

He stressed the importance of approaching each game with seriousness, giving their all to secure victories.

"Though we're three points behind league leaders, APR, who have a game-in-hand, anything can happen. They might also drop points. Our focus should be on taking every game as a final and observing how things unfold," he said.

Musanze FC has never won a league title. However, Habimana working alongside recently-retired Amavubi midfielder Jean Baptiste 'Migi' Mugiraneza as his assistant coach, have not given up on the possibility of pulling up a miracle this season.

Speaking about the loss to Vision FC, Habimana acknowledged Vision's superior performance and attributed his team's loss to defensive errors.

"Vision played exceptionally well, capitalizing on opportunities. Our defence made costly mistakes leading to both goals," Habimana admitted.

Despite the setback, Habimana is determined to address the team's weaknesses and bounce back stronger in upcoming matches.

Musanze FC will regroup and refocus their efforts on the league as they visit Bugesera FC on Saturday, January 20.

The second leg match against Vision FC is scheduled for January 27 at Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze.

As of now, Musanze FC occupies the third position on the Rwanda Premier League table with 30 points, trailing Police FC by one point and league leaders, APR, by three points.

During the January 2024 transfer window, the team made efforts to strengthen its squad by adding three international players Bertrand Ebode Ottou, a Ghanaian midfielder as well as two Cameroonians, Kokoete Udo Ibick, a winger and Djicka Gassissou Aime, a striker.

Speaking about the new players, Habimana said they have not yet got used to the local league, but he noted that they are good players.

If all goes well, the three players can be an asset to the team during the title fight.

Meanwhile, Musanze FC will continue to temporarily miss the services of its first choice goal keeper Alagie Modou Jobe who is currently on national duty with his country, The Gambia, at the African Nations Cup that is underway in Cote d’Ivoire.

Jobe is the only player from the Rwanda Primus National League participating in the 34th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.