National league fixture

Today

APR      v     Mukura

Stakes will be high when the champions APR FC take on visiting Mukura this afternoon at Nyamirambo stadium.

Just a week after bowing out of the Caf Champions league at the hands of Egyptian side El Zamalek, Andy Mfutila has a full squad to pick from as he hopes to get maximum points to remain within touching distance of leaders, Atraco Fc.

Anything less than a win for the defending champions will leave them with a mountain to climb as far mounting a formidable challenge for the title is concerned.

APR is second on the table standing with 24 points, six behind rivals Atraco although with a game in hand at the halfway stage if the season.

As for Mukura, who has never won the league title since its formation in 1963 but with a decent record of six wins, one draw and three losses gives them an assurance that they can shock the defending champions.

In his first season in charge, Mfutila did a league double over Mukura 2-1 in Butare and 3-1 at Amahoro on their way to a record ninth league title in just 13 years.

And the flamboyant Congolese born coach is convinced his side has more than enough to walk away with all three points hence keeping pressure on Atraco at the top.

"The boys are all fine and ready to take on Mukura. The loss against Zamalek will give us an extra desire to win,” Mfutila stated.

However, his opposite number of Mukura, Rajab Bizumuremyi is no mood to sit back and take APR beating and he believes his team has what it takes to shock the champions.

"Defeat in tomorrow’s (today) game will certainly jeopardize our hunt for the title, which means there is going to be no messing around,” Bizumuremyi warned.

The Huye based club goes into today’s clash fourth on the table with 19 points, three behind third placed Kiyovu. Both APR and Rayon didn’t play their end of first leg fixtures which were due last week due to continental commitments.
Rayon’s fixture against Kibuye was postponed to yet unknown date after heavy rains forced the match officials to call off the game at Gatwaro stadium in midweek.

National League table

Clubs      P   W   D   L   PTS

Atraco     11  10  0   1   30

APR         10   7  3   0    24

Kiyovu      11  7  1   3    22

Mukura     10  6  1   3    19

Rayon       10  4  3   2    18

AS Kigali    11  4  2   5    14

Electrogaz  11  2  4   5    10

Police        11  3  1   7    10

Marines      11  1  5   5     8

Military       11  2  3  5     8

Kibuye        10  1  4  5     7

Etincelles  11 0    6  5      6

Ends