Marines players urged to stay focused after draw against Mukura

Marines FC head coach Abdul Karim ‘Coka’ Nduhirabandi has urged his players to stay focused after their 1-all draw against Mukura in the Azam Rwanda Premier League on Saturday at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu. Nduhirabandi’s team came from behind to earn points against Mukura. Marines drew against Mukura 1-1, Burundian striker, Kevin Hakizimana scored for the visitors in the 8th minute while Olivier Usabimana scored for the host in the 72nd minute. “It is always good to earn a point against strong teams like Mukura but it’s very difficult because we are still far, so we have to stay focused, it’s still too early in the season. The league has been difficult but we have to look forward,” Nduhirabandi said. He added, “This was an important point for us. We are delighted to be in this position, and I hope we can continue to do well for the next matches. It was a very tough game but the players were excellent.” His counterpart, Godefroid Okoko said, “We are very disappointed because we got back in the game after scoring two goals in second half but we ended up losing, but this is football.” “I am happy with the way my players played and I am sure we will turn things around because the league is still in early stage, but we have to stay calm and focus on the next matches. We will come back strong for the next matches because we need more points,” Okoko added. Marines are in 13th position with five points while Mukura is in the tenth place with 8 points. Meanwhile, after thrashing Gicumbi 5-2, Rayon Sports now leads the standings with 22 points while Gicumbi dropped to 14th position with four points. In other games played, Police edged Pepiniere 2-1 at Ruyenzi turf while Marines and Mukura VS settled for a 1-all draw at Umuganda Stadium. editorial@newtimes.co.rw