SundayKariobangi Sharks vs Gor Mahia 3:15pm

Gor Mahia’s Rwandan international striker Jacques Tuyisenge has admitted that he has become a better player since joining the Kenyan Premier League side from Police FC in in 2016.

The former Etincelles and SC Kiyovu forward moved to Gor Mahia for a reported US$40,000 transfer fee (about Rwf30 million). Following a successful first season, the 25-year old Tuyisenge was named Gor Mahia vice-captain.

His move followed an impressive showing as Amavubi captain at the 2016 Africa Nations Champions (CHAN) finals tournament in Kigali. Hosts Rwanda reached the quarter-finals.

Last weekend, Tuyisenge scored the solitary goal from the penalty spot to help Gor Mahia beat Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC 1-0 to win the Kenyan Super Cup, which is contested between the league champions and the Shield winner.

"I am happy playing in Gor Mahia and I think I have made great improvement since coming here last year. People here love me and the only way to pay them back it by working hard and score goals,”Tuyisenge told Sunday Sport in a phone interview from Nairobi.

The Rubavu-born player added that, "My philosophy as a player has also changed because here I am played as typical striker, which I enjoy most. We have started well by winning the first trophy of the season (Super Cup) but we have to keep the same spirit when the season starts.”

The 2017 SportPesa Premier League season kicks off this weekend with the usual suspects including Gor Mahia, Tusker, Ulinzi Stars and AFC Leopards fancying their chances at a title shot. Gor Mahia get their season underway on Sunday playing against Thika-based Kariobangi Sharks.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw