SC Kiyovu Football Club head coach Francis Christian Haringingo is determined to transform the club into title challengers ahead of the new season that kicks off on October 30.

Kiyovu defeated Rayon Sports 2-1 in a friendly match at Amahoro Stadium in Remera with the game being the first to have fans back in stadiums since March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic hit Rwanda.

The friendly match was organized by Rayon Sports in celebration of the annual Rayon Sports Day, which was preceded by introducing new players for the 2021/22 season.

"We have been doing well in pre-season and we have shown that we are capable of beating any team in the country. I don’t see why we cannot challenge for the league title,” Haringingo said.

Rayon Sports will start their league campaign against Mukura Victory Sports on October 30, while Kiyovu Sports will face Gorilla FC.

SC Kiyovu won the last of their six league titles in 1993. The Mumena-based side finished in ninth place last season.

He further noted that "We have shown that we are a better team but what I want is SC Kiyovu to become a big and winning team. My philosophy is to win many trophies and I always tell my players that we are capable of beating any team here

In 2018, Haringingo won the Peace Cup with Huye-based side Mukura after defeating Rayon Sports FC in the final on penalties.