Monday

Sunrise FC          2-3            Rayon Sports

Rwanda international centre-back Faustin Usengimana has said that he is enjoying life at his childhood club Rayon Sports following his move as free agent from arch-rivals APR FC at the beginning of the season.

In August 7, 2015, Usengimana left Rayon Sports for the army side on a two-year deal; however, the 24 yearold struggled to have playing time there, which was a result of injuries and slump in form and he was released along with left-back Eric Rutanga.

Usengimana was a key figure for the Rwanda U-17 side that made history by qualifying for the 2011 World Cup but missed the finals in Mexico through injury.

Before signing for APR for Rwf8 million and a monthly salary of Rwf500, 000, Usengimana, had been at Rayon Sports. He returned after the end of last season as a free agent for Rwf6m and he is earning a monthly salary of Rwf400,000.

On Monday, the centre-back netted the winning goal for Rayon Sports against Sunrise in a 3-2 thriller at Nyagatare ground, a win that took the defending champions to the top of the table with 30 points at the half-way stage in the campaign.

The goal took his tally to three for the campaign, having also netted against Kirehe FC and SC Kiyovu.

After the game, Usengimana, who has also regained his place in the national team set-up, said: "I feel stronger than ever, but it has taken a lot of sacrifice in terms of working hard during training ground and during matches.”

"Honestly, I feel at home at Rayon Sports and I am happy that I have managed to work my way back to a level where I am able to play in the first team consistently.”

"Rayon Sports is my home so it was easy for me to adapt after a difficult time at APR. I always work hard so that I can improve. The most important thing is to stay fit and perform to the best of my ability,” he noted.

Ivan Mineart’s team finished the first round of the current season with 30 points, one ahead of second-placed AS Kigali, while SC Kiyovu are in third with 28 points with record 16-time winners APR, who face Gicumbi on Wednesday, completing the top four with 25 points.

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