Mukura bids to end league title drought

Sunday Mukura 1-0 Etincelles On-form Muhadjiri Hakizimana believes this is the time for Mukura to end the long wait for a first league title after helping the Huye-based side edge Etincelles 1-0 on Sunday to move four points clear at the top of the table. Hakizimana, 22, was once again the star of the show with his fifth goal in four matches, his ninth of the season. The younger brother of Amavubi captain Haruna Niyonzima scored with a fabulous free kick in the 60th to take Mukura to 32 points, four points ahead of second-placed AS Kigali. “It is still early to comment on the title but our target this year is win some silverware because many of us are young players that have never won the league or even play an international competition which we want to fight for,” Hakizimana said after Mukura’s eighth successive league win, a club record. He noted, “My personal target is to keep on helping my team by scoring goals, which would boost my chances of breaking into the national team.” The former SC Kiyovu starlet further revealed return to Huye stadium, Mukura’s home ground, has also given them a big motivation in terms of fan base. Godfroid Okoko’s team, seeking a first league title in the club’s history, lead the 16-team table standing with 32 points, four better than second-placed AS Kigali, who have played a game less. Rayon Sports, who lost their head coach Yvan Jacky Minnaert last week, are third with 25 points however, they have played two games while defending champions APR occupy fourth place with 24 points albeit with three games in hand. Etincelles in 15th place and bottom-placed AS Muhanga remain in the relegation zone with five and four points respectively. Mukura returns to action on Wednesday, taking on Ally Bizimungu’s Bugesera FC, who on 8th position with 17 points. Meanwhile, the Huye-based club have recruited former Mukura, Amagaju and the National University player, Jean Baptiste Hakizimana as the new fitness coach. Table standings Team PD W D L PTS Mukura 14 10 2 2 32AS Kigali 13 8 4 1 28Rayon Sports 12 7 4 1 25APR 11 7 3 1 24Police 11 5 6 0 21Gicumbi 13 4 6 3 18Kiyovu 12 4 5 3 17Bugesera 13 4 5 4 17Amagaju 11 3 5 3 14Sunrise 11 3 5 3 14Musanze 11 3 3 5 12Espoir 12 2 5 5 11Marines 12 2 4 6 10Rwamagana 12 2 3 7 9Etincelles 14 1 2 11 5AS Muhanga 14 0 4 14 4 editorial@newtimes.co.rw