AS Kigali coach eyes Peace Cup title

City of Kigali-sponsored side, AS Kigali have their eyes set on winning this year’s Peace Cup, according to head coach Eric Nshimiyimana. The tournament will run from June 14 to July 4. Nshimiyimana said the only chance of playing in the CAF Confederations Cup next year is by winning the Peace Cup, but admits it will be tough against the likes of defending champions Police, APR as well as other genuine contenders like Rayon Sports and SC Kiyovu. “We are focused on winning the Peace Cup, it’s a knockout competition and our target will be to reach the final and win the trophy,” Nshimiyimana told Times Sport. He added, “Our league title hopes are over because we know getting six points with four games remaining will be difficult for us but we will continue to fight because we want to finish in good position.” AS Kigali won the cup back in 2001 as Les Citadins and finished in 4th place in 2013, with 50 points three points behind third place Mukura and six behind table leaders and defending champions APR. The competition will attract 32 teams, including the 16 first division and 16 second division league clubs. The 16 teams from the second division will be drawn against the first division teams, based on their confirmation to compete in the cup and also their performance in last season’s second division. The preliminary round will start on June 14 and two days later, the 1/16th round will continue before the teams clash in the 1/8th round scheduled for June 22, while the quarter-final round will be played on June 25. The semi-final round, which will be played over two rounds, will be staged on June 28 with the first leg ties and the second leg on July 1. The finalists will clash on July 4, and the ultimate winner will represent Rwanda in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup. Police FC are reigning champions following a 1-0 win over Rayon Sports in the final. League champions APR finished third after defeating Isonga 5-0 in the third place playoff. editorial@newtimes.co.rw