Rayon Sports seek win over Sunrise to go top

Azam Rwanda Premier League defending champions Rayon Sports will visit Sunrise FC on Monday in a Matchday 15 clash knowing that victory will see them leapfrog current leaders AS Kigali at the top of the table.

Monday, March 26, 2018
Rayon Sports forward Kevin Muhire (right) battles for possession with a Sunrise FC player during a league match last season. Sunrise host Rayon on Monday in Nyagatare. Sam Ngendahimana.

Monday

Sunrise FC Vs Rayon Sports 3:30pm

WednesdayGicumbi FC Vs APR FC

Azam Rwanda Premier League defending champions Rayon Sports will visit Sunrise FC on Monday in a Matchday 15 clash knowing that victory will see them leapfrog current leaders AS Kigali at the top of the table.

Ivan Mineart’s team go into the game in third place with 27 points, two behind AS Kigali.

SC Kiyovu are currently second with 28 points.

However, should Sunrise upset Minneart’s side, they will leapfrog them in the third place as the league reaches the halfway mark. Sunrise have their own fight to finish in the top four and a win will boost their chances as it would take them to 28 points, same as SC Kiyovu.

The Nyagatare-based side’s head coach Alphonse Gatera, whose team is currently in fourth on table standings with 25 points from 14 games, says they will go into the match to upset the champions.

"We are hosting the defending champions and there is no doubt it is going to be a tough game. It is important that we win to stay on course to achieve our target. Getting three points would further boost our confidence going into the second half of the season,” Gatera said.

Rayon Sports head coach Mineart said, "We have had enough time to work with the players, which allowed us to prepare well for the game.”

"We know we are going to face a team that is in form so we must challenge ourselves to do well. I have told the players to continue working hard if we are to remain in contention (for the title). This is a big match and important three points are at stake for us,” the Belgian noted.

While making their debut in the topflight league in the 2014/2015 season, Sunrise defied odds to finish in the fourth place ahead of Rayon Sports and Kiyovu.

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