ETINCELLES head Coach Abdul Bizimana is happy with the underdog tag in the run-in to the Cecafa Kagame Cup which kicks-off next month in Khartoum, Sudan.

With the two guest sides (Al Ahly and Liberty Professionals) yet to confirm participation, Etincelles are one of twelve teams chasing for honours this year.

Last year, the Western Province side raised eyebrows when they kept APR on their toes for most part of the Primus league title race. However, the side has struggled for consistence this season.

With five games to play, the team languishes in 5th place with 22 points after picking three points from a possible 12 in their last four games.

Etincelles stunned Rayon Sport 2-0 but then went on a losing spree against Mukura (0-1), Marine (0-2) and Police (1-7).

However, Bizimana insists that the team is ready to compete in the regional tournament.

"Nobody has said anything about us and I think that suits us because we’ll just try to creep in through that back door,” the former Mukura coach said.

In January, Etincelles suffered a premature exit in the Orange Confederation Cup after a 1-3 first round aggregates defeat against Congo Brazzaville’s Leopards.

This year, the winner will pocket Rwf23.8m courtesy of a lump sum sponsorship package (Rwf630.76m) from El Mereikh Group and President Paul Kagame.

The first and second runners up will settle for Rwf11.9m and Rwf5.95m respectively.

APR are the defending champions after beating Ethiopia’s St. George in last year’s final. This year’s edition will run from June 21- July 5.

Ends