SaturdayAS Kigali Vs Amagaju 3:30pmPepiniere Vs EtincellesKirehe FC Vs APR FCEspoir Vs Gicumbi

SundayMukura Vs Police FC 3:30pmMarines Vs BugeseraMusanze Vs SC Kiyovu

Defending champions APR FC will miss the services of four key players against Kirehe in the national football league Saturday at Nyakarambi ground in Kirehe District through injuries, according to head coach Jimmy Mulisa.

The quartet includes; left back Emmanuel Imanishimwe (toe), Michel Rusheshangoga (groin), central defender Helve Rugwiro (back) and attacking midfielder Patrick Sibomana (tibia).

The quartet will be replaced by Omar Ngandu or Faustin Usengimana in central defence who will play alongside Aimable Nsabimana and Eric Rutanga (left full-back) with skipper Albert Ngabo on the right back, while Sibomana will be replaced by Fiston Nkezingabo.

Mulisa has preferred to deploy Rugwiro, Nsabimana, Rusheshangoga and Imanishimwe as his back four since he took over the reins in November 2016.

APR FC, who are second on the league table with 39 points, four behind leaders Rayon Sports, beat Kirehe 2-1 in the corresponding fixture on December 8 at Stade de Kigali. Kirehe are in 11th place with 21 points.

The latest injuries compound APR’s injury crisis — the club has been without midfielders Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Andrew Buteera as well as striker Blaise Itangishaka.

Mulisa, whose team travelled to Kirehe on Friday morning, said: "Despite the injuries, the mood in camp is good and the available players are determined to fill the gaps.”

Elsewhere, fourth-placed AS Kigali (32 points) will host Amagaju FC, who are in 10th place at Stade de Kigali, while bottom side Pepiniere will be at home to eighth-placed Etincelles at Stade Ruyenzi with seventh-placed Espoir hosting Gicumbi.

On Sunday, Mukura will entertain third-placed Police FC at Huye Stadium while Marines will play against Bugesera FC at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu. Musanze will be up against SC Kiyovu at Musanze Stadium.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw