Etincelles, Muhanga return to Azam Rwanda Premier League

AS Muhanga and Etincelles FC have returned to the Azam Rwanda Premier League for the 2015/16 season that is scheduled to get underway on September 18, according to secretary general, Olivier Mulindahabi. After revising article 10 of competition rules in an extraordinary general assembly over the weekend, the national football governing body agreed by consensus to increase the number of teams participating in the league from 14 to 16. Four clubs were suggested including Etincelles, AS Muhanga, Sorwathe and Isonga FC from which two would be determined through playoffs matches. However, during the same general assembly, Isonga, who were relegated at the end of last season, along with Etincelles, pulled out of the race citing the fact that they have just released all their players and three days later, Sorwathe FC also pulled out, citing lack of enough time for preparations. This left only Rubavu-based Etincelles FC and AS Muhanga to claim the two slots to join APR, AS Kigali, Police FC, Sunrise, Rayon Sports, SC Kiyovu, Gicumbi, Amagaju FC, Musanze, Marines FC, Espoir, Mukura as well as newly promoted Rwamagana and Bugesera FC. AS Muhanga were relegated from the top flight division at the end of 2013/2014 season. editorial@newtimes.co.rw