AS Kigali, Etincelles face off

Turbo King LeagueSaturdayEtincelles vs. AS Kigali (Umuganda)Esperance vs. Muhanga (Mumena)Gicumbi vs. Espoir (Gicumbi)SundayRayon Sport vs. Marines (Regional)Mukura vs. Musanze (Kamena)APR FC vs. Kiyovu Sports (Amahoro) Police vs. Amagaju (Kicukiro)LEADERS AS Kigali go into today’s crucial tie against Etincelles away in Rubavu with a win in mind to extend their lead at the top of the table.The Kigali City sponsored club leads the standings with 21 points, eight points better than their opponents Etincelles who are placed eighth.It will be a tricky tie for Coach Andre Gasambungo’s side keeping in mind that Etincelles is a hard nut to crack at home following their 1-0 shock of defending champions Rayon Sports last month and a 1-all draw against APR.However, the 2012 Peace Cup winners are determined to walk back to Kigali with three points in pocket. “We need to win the game if we are to maintain our lead at the top of the table,” Gasambungo said. AS Kigali will miss the services of suspended midfielder Mohamed Kabula, Jean Pierre Mabula who is sitting for university exams and injured trio of David Nzamwita Saibadi, Regis Ingabire and Ibrahim Itangishaka.“Losing such players should not be an excuse to lose this game. We know Etincelles is a tricky side at the home turf and I think we will need to be very careful especially in our defense line-up,” Gasambungo added.The team has been boosted by the return of Amavubi duo James Tubane and Mohamed Mushimiyimana from Amavubi team as well as first choice goalie Emery Mvuyekure who is returning back after a long injury spell.Etincelles coach Abdul Bizimana a.k.a Beken is confident ahead of the game. “We always want to win at home. The team is in good mood and they are set for the match. It’s a must-win for us,” said Bizimana.“We know we are going to face a very good, team but we will give them the respect they deserve as we plot for a win,” added Bizimana.Other matches on card today will see hosts Esperance taking on AS Muhanga at Mumena stadium. Esperance are without midfielder Fiston Buzizi Rwigema who is on suspension. Gicumbi without Selman Harelimana host Espoir who will be without playmaker Makini Munyeshyaka.The big game of the weekend will be between thirteen-time winners APR against SC Kiyovu in the tenth round of the Turbo King National Football league on Sunday evening at Amahoro stadium. On the same day, defending champion Rayon Sport will face visitors Marines at Stade de Kigali, Mukura host visitors Musanze at Kamena stadium while Police will host Amagaju at Kicukiro turf with Nyamagabe-based team missing suspended key striker Yumba Kaite.