APR Dutch coach Erik Paske has urged club supporters not to lose hope as the military side is still in contention to win this season’s league title despite a lethargic start.

"The league season is like a marathon. We still have 18 matches to play. We have played six and lost one (to Mukura) and this should not look like it’s the end of the road.

"In football, everything is possible. You wake up one day and lose and win the other day. It’s about patience for the side of the fans, and commitment and hard work from the players,” said Paske.

Commenting on Etincelles’ early season form which has taken them to the top of the league table standing, three points clear of the chasing pack, the Dutchman said, "It is good but also surprising that Etincelles is topping the table.”

"However, this should not be a problem to us but it should instead motivate the players (APR) to even work harder,” noted Paske, who won the league in his season after replacing compatriot Rene Feller in April.

The ten-time league champion battered AS Kigali 4-1 on Saturday.

Labama Bokota scored a brace and set up two for team mate Kabange Twite to overcome AS Kigali at Nyamirambo stadium.

The champions are joint second, level on 13 points with Rayon Sport in third and Atraco in fourth. But the military side has a better goal difference of 8 as compared to Rayon 7 and Atraco’s two.

APR play away to Amagaju in Nyamagabe their next league fixture due on January 2, 2010.

League table

Team  P  W  D  L  Pts
Etincelles 6 5 1 0 16
Atraco  6 4 1 1 13
APR  6 4 1 1 13
Rayon   6 4 1 1 13
Electrogaz 6 3 1 2 10
Kiyovu  6 3 0 3 9    Police  6 2 2 2 8
Amagaju 6 2 1 3 7
Musanze 6 1 3 2 6
AS Kigali 6 1 1 3 4
Mukura  6 1 0 5 3
Marines 6 0 0 6 0

Ends