Rayon Sports center defender Aimable Nsabimana has said his club will keep pressure on APR till the last match day as the title race enters a decisive stage.
The Blues secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunrise FC in Sunday’s league match held at Nyagatare Stadium to close the gap at the top to seven points.
Nsabimana and club captain Kevin Muhire were not involved in the match as coach Julien Mette decided to rest them for Saturday’s derby clash with fierce rivals APR FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.
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Prior to the derby, Nsabimana said that players are only focused on beating APR FC to close the points gap and keep their title hopes alive.
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"We have done well so far but we also have to keep in mind that every game we play is equally important and it’s very important for us to win and keep pressure on leaders. We cannot give up like that, we need to keep fighting until the end,” the former APR defender told Times Sport.
It will be Julien Mette’s first derby against APR FC since taking charge of the club in February.
The Frenchman said that he is already analyzing videos to get the picture of APR FC’s style of play as well as get track of their strengths and weaknesses in order to prepare well for the title-decider.
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"Like all sports, we look at the team we are going to compete with. We have the video, we have to analyze where APR are weak and where their weaknesses are. They (players) know the importance of this game, and I need to prepare them mentally. I have to focus on the tactics, that's it," Mette said.
"For APR, I know they (players) will fight, they will want to win 100%. We prepare like any other game, there is no exception, they also know the truth."
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Rayon Sports is second with 45 points, seven points separated from APR FC. A win for APR would increase by 10 points or drop to four points should the same result go in favor of Rayon Sports.