AS KIGALI women football coach Grace Nyinawumuntu is desperate to etch in Rwanda’s history books by retaining the national women football league trophy this year.

The 33-year-old, who also doubles as assistant coach of the National women football team, steered her team to league glory last year and is confident that her new signings can help accomplish the feat.

"We want to be the first club to retain this trophy. The league will be a lot more competitive this year but I’m sure the three players we have brought in make the team an even stronger unit,” Nyinawumuntu told this paper.

The new recruits include Congolese defender Amani Solange, ex-Musanze midfielder Esther Kumbo and Maria Hakizimana (striker) from Burundi.

The champions begin their title defense this Sunday against debutants Rambura at Kicuriko artificial turf.

Meanwhile, the league has been boosted by the return of Rayon Sport and Aspej.

The two clubs had pulled out of this year’s league due to financial constraints but they have since sorted out the problem.

Twelve clubs will now contend for the title; AS Kigali, APR, Musanze, Aspej, Bugesera, Rayon Sport, Inyemera, Les Lioness, Rubavu, Rambura, and La Jeunesse.

Ends