Sunday

Rayon Vs Mukura 15:30

RAYON Sports skipper Thierry Manzi has urged his teammates to remain focused as they take on a resurgent Mukura Victory Sport side which won the Peace Cup last season.

The Blues who finished third in the league – behind champions APR and first runners-up AS Kigali – last season, kicked off the new season with a hard fought 1-0 win over Etincelles last weekend and will be looking to maintain perfect start when they host Mukura on match-day 2 but the visitors are also in good form having won their opening tie against Sunrise.

Amavubi centre-back Manzi says they are aiming for nothing but the league title this season. However, he has urged teammates to focus on the present – one game at a time - and not get distracted by thoughts of lifting the title in June next year.

"Our target this season is to play good football, winning matches and lift the league title. That’s why we should focus on winning matches rather than getting distracted by the ambition to win the league title. We take one game at a time,” Manzi explained.

"Thankfully we managed a crucial away victory to Etincelles in the opener, a team that we failed to win against last season. It shows the level of mental strength and determination from players.

We enjoyed great success in Caf Confederation Cup this year, it is time to emulate it on the domestic scene – and we are ready to make it happen” he added.

Squad for 2018-19 season unveiled

In the meantime, Rayon Sports unveiled their full 26-player squad and squad numbers for the just started 2018-19 season on Thursday at Amahoro Indoor Stadium. Midfielder.

Among other changes in squad numbers, midfielder Djabel Manishimwe is the club’s new number 10, changing from last season’s number 28. First choice goalkeeper Abouba Bashunga will use number 1, getting rid of number 30 he was wearing last season.

The squad is comprised of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers:Abouba Bashunga, Gerard Bikorimana, Andre Mazimpaka and Kassim Ndayisenga

Defenders:Thierry Manzi, Hussein Habimana,  Abdoul Rwatubyaye, Eric Rutanga, Eric Irambona Gisa, Gabriel Mugabo, Ange Mutsinzi, Eric Iradukunda and Saddam Nyandwi.

Midfielders:  Kevin Muhire, Djabel Manishimwe, Olivier Seif Niyonzima, Yannick Mukunzi, Francois Mugisha, Proper Donkor and Alitijan Tumushime.

Forwards:Nova Bayama, Suleiman Mudeyi, Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana, Christophe Bukuru, Gilbert Mugisha and Michael ‘Balotelli’ Sarpong.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw