Wednesday

Heroes     Vs    Espoir        15:00 Mukura   Vs    AS Kigali     15:00 Rayon     Vs     Marines     18:00

Friday

Kiyovu  Vs    APR 18:00

Rayon Sports’ slow start to the new Rwanda Premier League season could go from bad to worse when they host Marines at Kigali Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off 6pm.

Eighth-placed Marines have threatened to pile more misery on the defending champions, and head coach Yves Rwamanazi is well-aware that victory over the Blues would see his side move to seventh, with 11 points.

Rayon are winless in their last three matches, while Marines look to register a second successive win following their 1-0 triumph over rivals Etincelles at the weekend.

Ahead of the match, Rwasamanzi stressed how important it is for his guns to build momentum.

"Of late, we have been playing well and not getting the results we want. But, after Etincelles’ win it is very important that we keep that run going,” said Rwasamanzi.

"While winning against the defending champions will not be an easy challenge, we are ready and the players are positive about it. We will do all we can to get the three points.”

Speaking to Times Sport in a separate interview, Rayon Sports’ Mexican coach, Javier Martinez Espinosa, admitted that his side’s recent slump of results was frustrating but the players were in positive energy, and optimistic to get back to their winning ways.

"We need to get back to our winning ways, and the players understand well that we have to work for it. It is important that we do not drop points against Marines,” said Martinez.

The Blues will be without centre-back Herve Rugwiro who has three cumulative yellow cards and striker Michael Sarpong who was this week banned for one match following his middle finger gesture to Sunrise FC fans during the team’s 2-1 defeat a fortnight ago.

Rayon last won on October 22 when they beat Bugesera 2-1 at Kigali Stadium, as they have since suffered a blow to Sunrise before faltering to Etincelles and Musanze in draws.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com