DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Rayon Sports will play all their home league matches for the 2013/14 season in the City of Kigali, according to club chairperson Abdullah Murenzi.

Speaking to Times Sport early this week, Murenzi, who is also the Mayor of southern district of Nyanza, said the decision was taken because Nyanza stadium does not meet the minimum standards.

The seven-time Rwandan champions had last September relocated back to their roots in the Southern Province after spending 26 years in Kigali.

"At the moment, our field is not in good condition which is why we requested Ferwafa (local football governing body) to allow us play next season’s league matches on better pitches in Kigali, and we believe it will not affect the players and fans as well,” he noted.

He said they hoped this would not affect the team’s performance on the pitch, adding that Rayon players were in great spirits ahead of the new season which gets underway on September 28.

"The team has everything it to compete at the top level, players are in very good condition and happy,” said Murenzi, adding that the players now get their salaries on time as opposed to yesteryears.

The Nyanza-based side begins its league title defence on September 28 against newly promoted Gicumbi FC, who are coached by former Rayon player and coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga, at Amahoro stadium.

Record 13-time league champions APR will kick off the season against Marines FC at Stade de Kigali, while Police, first runners up in the last two seasons, will be up against another newly promoted side Esperance FC at Kicukiro ground.

Also on the opening weekend, Etincelles will host Espoir at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu, AS Muhanga host Mukura in Muhanga; Amagaju will face the 2013 Peace Cup winners AS Kigali at Stade de Kigali while will Musanze host SC Kiyovu.