Kayiranga upbeat despite defeat

Coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga saw SC Kiyovu’s unbeaten record brought to a halt on Wednesday but remains confident his side will fight on till the final whistle of the season.

Thursday, October 25, 2012
SC Kiyovu's veteran striker Bokota Labama is thwarted by Police custodian Alex Ganza on Wednesday. The New Times / T. Kisambira.

Coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga saw SC Kiyovu’s unbeaten record brought to a halt on Wednesday but remains confident his side will fight on till the final whistle of the season.Kiyovu’s five-match winning streak came to an end when they lost 2-0 to Police at Amahoro stadium on Wednesday.Kayiranga’s team, which came into Wednesday’s game on the back of five consecutive league wins, dominated the opening 45 minutes but failed to capitalise on two clear chances by Bokota Labama and Olave Gahonzire.Police, who finished second to APR last season, regrouped well in the second half and got their two goals through Jacques Tuyisenge and Innocent Habyarimana. Kayiranga said yesterday, "This was our first loss of the season....and remember Police have been one of the toughest opponents recently. I have not managed to beat them since becoming coach of Kiyovu.” "I am still hopeful to win the next matches. We have lost one game but I am very confident with my players to bounce back from this loss and win the next matches.” "I am building a team for the future and with more time (of) playing together, this team will be grow stronger,” added Kayiranga, who is seeking to become the first coach to lead Kiyovu to the league title since 1993.Despite the defeat, Kiyovu is still on top of the league log with 15 points after six rounds of matches.Newly promoted Musanze FC continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Amagaju to move within one point of the table leaders.APR’s lukewarm start to the season continued after they were held to a 1-all draw by Espoir in Rusizi, dropping to third position on 12 points, tied with AS Kigali.The league continues this weekend with Muhanga hosting La Jeunesse at Stade de Kigali on Saturday.Five matches are on card on Sunday with Amagaju playing away to Espoir in Rusizi; Kiyovu host Mukura at Stade de Kigali; Police take on Isonga at Amahoro stadium; Musanze host AS Kigali; while Umuganda stadium will host the Rubavu derby between Etincelles and Marines.