Musanze out to dent Rayon’s bid for ninth league title

Match-day 28 fixtures Friday Rayon vs Musanze 15:30 Saturday Muhanga vs APR 15:30 Mukura vs Marines 15:30 Espoir vs AS Kigali 15:30 Sunrise vs Kirehe 15:30 Sunday Amagaju vs Bugesera 15:30 Etincelles vs Gicumbi 15:30 Police vs SC Kiyovu 15:30 Musanze FC head coach Emmanuel Ruremesha has said he will not have any favours when he comes up against his former employers, Rayon Sports, in the Azam Rwanda Premier League on Friday, at Kigali Stadium. Rayon are favourites to win this season’s title, but any slip-up in the race could only boost APR’s title defence as the two local heavyweights are – with three games left – only separated by a solitary point. Musanze are 12th-placed on the 16-team table with 32 points, and have only managed nine victories after 27 matches this term. Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, Ruremesha said: “We know our opponents quite well, and understand how important this game is to them. However, we won’t be out there to support their bid, but rather to fight for the three points, too.” “They are a few games from winning the title, and they will definitely be looking to avoid any slip-up. We have also prepared accordingly, and are going to do everything possible to win.” Roberto Oliveira’s side will rely on Burundian talisman Jules Ulimwengu and Ghana-born striker Michael Sarpong who have scored a combined 30 goals this season; making them – by far – the most lethal striking duo in domestic football. Musanze will be without their holding midfielder, Valeur Nduwayo, who is suspended for match-day 28 due to three accumulative yellow cards. On the other hand, Rayon will have Sarpong and left-back Eric Rutanga back in the line-up after missing last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Amagaju – also because of suspensions. “All the players are available and fit for the game,” Brazilian tactician Roberto said an interview. “Our motto is simple: Another game, another final.” He further stressed: “Rayon are a massive club, with big history. We want to contribute with another league title and a ticket to continental football next season.” Rayon beat Musanze 2-1 during the two sides’ first-leg in January. editor@newtimesrwanda.com