Landeut’s verdict on Kiyovu’s title hopes: It is tough but possible
Monday, April 24, 2023
Head coach of SC Kiyovu Alain-André during the interview Photo Courtesy

SC Kiyovu may be firm favorites to finally clinch their first league title in 30 years but head coach Alain-André Landeut admits it is still a difficult journey despite leading the race with just four games remaining to play.

Goals from Thierry Ndayishimiye and Abedi Bigirimana helped the Mumena-based side to come from behind and beat Gorilla FC on Saturday at Muhanga Stadium to claim the top spot with 56 points and open a three-point lead ahead of second-placed APR as the title race enters decisive stage.

ALSO READ: Police shock APR as Bigirimana winner propel Kiyovu to league summit

Kiyovu has never won the league title since 1993 and Landeut’s top mission, as stipulated in his contract, will be to try and change that unfancied record.

The Green Baggies are aware that the race is not over yet but their coach doesn’t seem bothered by the daunting task ahead of him.

"We must start winning every match ahead of us, but there is a need for everyone associated with Kiyovu to come together in the same direction. We all need to work together as a unit if we are to meet our expectations," he added.

Kiyovu moved top of the table after title rivals APR slipped on Saturday following Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat to Police.

The title is now the Green Baggies’ to lose and Landeut rallied his team to keep their winning run for the remainder of the league campaign to finish victorious.

"We need to keep this high spirit for the remaining matches because we have good team with good players. What we need to do is to work hard and give the players the winning mentality so that we can achieve our dream," he noted.

Kiyovu, who hold the record of going the whole season unbeaten during the 1990 campaign, have not won the league – or any other major – title since 1993.

They were also favorite to win last season’s title but lost it to APR as they finished campaign trailing just one point behind the army side.

The team face tough task to beat Mukura and relegation-threatened Rutsiro at home as well as win crucial points from trips to Musanze at Ubworoherane Stadium and Sunrise at Nyagatare Stadium to win the title.