Thursday

Kiyovu     Vs     Etincelles     15:30

Police       Vs     Gicumbi       15:30 

Alain Kirasa has challenged his SC Kiyovu players to prove that their worth as title contenders when they host Etincelles in the Azam Rwanda Premier League at Mumena Stadium on Thursday.

The former champions will be looking to tighten gap on third-placed Mukura after hauling themselves back in top four on Wednesday last week with a 2-0 victory over Kirehe.

After 17 match rounds this season, the Green Baggies are in fourth position with 30 points, trailing Francis Haringingo’s Mukura and second-placed Rayon Sports by 7 points.

"We need to win [against Etincelles] to boost our chances. We have had up-and-down results this season, but I believe we are still in the title chance if we build solid momentum,” said Kirasa.

Kiyovu, who hold the record of going the whole season unbeaten during the 1990 campaign, have not won the league – or any other major – title since 1993.

The Nyamirambo-based will be without the services of Vincent Habamahoro, who is suspended due to three accumulative yellow cards.

On the other hand, Etincelles, who are in 11th position with 18 points, are seeking their sixth league win after only managing five victories from their first 17 games this term.

In another league encounter on Thursday, Albert Joel Mphande’s Police host strugglers Gicumbi at Kicukiro Stadium.

If Kiyovu stumble at Etincelles, victory for the law-enforcers will see them leapfrog the former into the fourth position.

Ahead of their clash against Camarade Banamwana’s side, Police are in fifth position with 28 points, while the visitors are 14th with 16 points.

Record 17-time champions APR, who face Kirehe on Saturday, top the table with 41 points.

editorial@newtimesrwanda.com