Opening Fixtures Oct. 4Atraco v La JeunesseRayon v PoliceKiyovu v MarinesMukura v ElectrogazAS Kigali v KibuyeAPR v Amagaju As the new national football begins this weekend, Times Sport weighs up the chances of APR regaining the title. Atraco’s increased discipline and organisation under new coach. Sam Timbe would present a different challenge to Rene Feller and co and Rayon Sport would also have a say. Rayon’s title challenge will also depend on their team management which has been their major undoing in the last couple of seasons, a feat which has seen them chasing shadows. And after Atraco gate-crashing the big-ones’, party the competitiveness in the league seems to be getting better. APR have the chance to open their campaign on a high thanks to the league feature that pitches them against newcomers Amagaju. However, the Blues have their hands full, and they should be at their best as they take on old timers Police. Title holders Atraco take on La Jeunesse on the opening day while former champions Kiyovu host Marines. Last season’s debutants Electrogaz make a long trip to the Southern Province to face giant killers Mukura Victory Sports. The Butare based side, who will be looking to improve on their fifth place finish last season have turned Huye into a fortress of a kind getting good results no matter the opposition. League perennial residents AS Kigali and Kibuye square it in Kigali but otherwise old rivalries will be renewed. APR, who kick start the campaign with a full strength team; will be representing Rwanda in next year’s African Cup Confederation. They will be especially keen to collect three points Saturday off the new comers. APR spent a lot of money during the recruitment process. The army side spent on several high profile players who include: Janvier Bessala Bokungu from DC Mutema Pembe, Ismail Nshutinamagara and Patrick Mafisango from Atraco, Jean Claude Iranzi from SC Kiyovu, Arafat Serugendo from Mukura, Kimalwa Mwembo from St.Eloi Lupopo, Guy Basisila from TP Mazembe and Bokota Labama Kamana. The nine-time national football league champions, have been boosted with the return of head coach Rene Feller, who was recently been linked with a move to United Arab Emirates. Feller joined Rwanda champions APR on a one-year contract, just five months after being appointed national coach of Eritrea. The 65-year-old took over as coach after the army side sacked Andia Mfutila. Feller’s tenure at the military club has seen him win the Peace Cup thus booking APR’s ticket into the African Confederation Cup but missed out on the league title to rivals Atraco Fc. The veteran tactician must prove to critics that his tactics can win APR the tenth title. Rayon and Atraco will be keen for their match against the respective teams for the chance to bounce back as quickly as possible as genuine title contenders. Who do you think will win the league this season? Ends
