Rayon Sports head coach Olivier Karekezi has saluted Djabel Manishimwe after his outstanding role in their 2-0 win against bitter rivals SC Kiyovu on Sunday at Kigali Stadium. The playmaker set up two goals for the ‘Blues ’ to the relief of Karekezi who described the encounter as a hard game and added that ‘few teams will beat Kiyovu in the league.

After playing a goalless first half, the defending champions took the lead through former APR defender Faustin Usengimana in the 52nd minute after a wonderful cross from Manishimwe on the right wing.

The untamable youngster set up the second goal with a good cross to Burundian international forward Shassir Nahimana who put the game beyond Kiyovu’s reach with a second goal in the 86th minute.

"He is an important player for us and I have given him a free role to play football and enjoy. He has helped the team to earn three points. It was a hard game, but I am happy we managed to get three points,” said Karekezi.

The coach described Manishimwe as a player with all the qualities one  needs on the field.

After the Sunday win,  the league champions moved up to fifth place in the table with four points, two behind early season pace setters Amagaju FC, while SC Kiyovu remain in 11th position with three points having won the season opener 1-0 against Musanze FC, a fortnight ago.

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