AFTER a mind-blowing first round performance, surprise league leaders Etincelles have mocked the country’s elite clubs (APR, Atraco and Rayon) by insisting that the league title or MTN Peace Cup could well be within their reach this season.

The team finished their first round campaign on level points with table leaders APR (24points) and the club’s head coach Rajab Bizimuremye has now told his players that they have a good chance of walking away with a trophy this year.

"Throughout the first round, we have showed that we can match the big sides and also play consistently at the top level.”

"We have now set ourselves a target of winning the league or MTN Peace Cup. We have the players to make it happen. Our major challenge now is to keep our feet on the ground and injury free,” he noted.

The Western province side wrapped up the first half of the season with a 1-all draw against Electrogaz. Trailing Electrogaz at half-time, Jean de Dieu Harolimana scored to ensure that Etincelles snatched a point from the tie. The team’s first round run included seven wins, three draws and just one defeat.

Etincelles open their MTN Peace Cup campaign on Wednesday when they play Union at Mumena stadium.

The winner of the two-legged contest will go on to play the winner between Nyanza and Kiyovu in the next round.

Ends