APR should not bite into the ‘favourites’ tag in CECAFA

I have read a couple of articles claiming that Rwandan champs APR are solid favourites to win this year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup, which is currently taking place in Dar es Salaam. I share the same sentiment. I have watched all the three games that APR has played so far and I am pretty certain that if they maintain their style and tempo, not even the other hyped Gor Mahia from Kenya will stop them. By the time APR faced Burundian side Lydia Ludic Academy on Thursday, they had already secured their quarter final place – thanks to convincing wins against Al Ahly Shendi of Sudan (1-0) and Somalia’s Heegan (2-0) in their first two group games. However, history has not always been on the side of favourites; therefore, no game is a walk over. As APR seek for a third CECAFA title, they must concentrate and play each game like it is a final, and also hope that injuries do not hamper their plans. Assistant head coach Vincent Mashami, said it very well when he dismissed the “favourite” tag, noting that: “We dont want to be fooled by what other people are saying because, unlike in the past, all teams in this years tournament are strong.” In truth, APR is shining at the tournament. Super striker Issa Bigirimana, talismanic midfielder Andrew Butera and a couple of other players have shined at the tournament. All they need to do is keep their feet on the ground and take nothing for granted. Back at home, we shall be waiting for the trophy; I’m certain even some Rayon fans will be chanting for patriotism sake. English clubs set to rock Champions League once again Manchester City has been ridiculed over and again for being the giant punching bag in the champions League. As a matter of fact, they played a friendly game against Spanish Giants Madrid yesterday afternoon, and they were cut to size once again. Before half time, three balls had slipped past Joe Hurt, and the rest is history. For some reason, no matter how many talented players they buy, Manchester City remains that small team that will always be in the shadows of their giant neighbours – the Red Devils. But other than Manchester City, the other three Champions League clubs from England have progressed in strength, and look like they can finally bring back the glory days of the nineties and the 2000s back to the Queen’s land. Manchester United slipped into the fourth and final position for Champions League qualification, thanks to uninterrupted wins against Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City, towards the end of last season. Their performances, guided by Luis Van Gaal put the Red Devils head and shoulder above the other competitors – Spurs and Liverpool – who fancied their chances to end in forth. It seems that Manchester United is all that England needed to fight for its lost glory in Europe – and with new acquisitions like Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian, United is likely to get back it’s “Fergie Time”. Chelsea has always been strong in the Champions League, but last season, Mourinho’s “pack the bus” antics were bursted by a fluent Paris St. Germaine in the quarter finals. However, I bet that Mournho learnt his lesson and will put on a far greater show when he faces a fluent opponent. Arsene Wenger has reiterated that there is so much belief within his camp that the next season is going to be special for them. Most times in the transfer seasons, Wenger was faced with questions of “who is going?” but now, all they ask is “who is coming?” This means that Arsenal has the right players finally to compete for bigger things than the FA Cup, which they have won twice on the bounce. Champions League is unpredictable, but next season looks really promising for the English clubs once again. rushmugisha@gmail.com

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APR should not bite into the ‘favourites’ tag in CECAFA