The last time SC Kiyovu had the league trophy in their hands was in 1993. It is the very year that they lifted their last major silverware – a wait too long even for their staunchest fan to stomach. The Mumena-based side are widely likened – by local pundits and fans – with Liverpool, who in stunning style, ended their 30-year jinx for the English Premier League title last season. Just like Liverpool before the Premier League era in 1992, SC Kiyovu were also the most successful club – with six league titles – in domestic football after the unfortunate events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. After beefing up their squad with big name signings in the ongoing transfer market, SC Kiyovu’s current team is seen as the strongest the club has had in a long time that could mount a challenge for the league title in the forthcoming 2020/21 season. Speaking to Times Sport in a recent interview, the club’s skipper Ally Serumogo warned rival hopefuls that “Our mind is placed on winning the league title. With the current squad, I think we have got the best chance to finally end this wait.” On top of signing star players such as goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi and last season’s top-scorer Samson Babua, the club also made their league title intent clear by appointing Rwanda football icon Olivier Karekezi as their new head coach. Known for his winning mentality and disciplinarian attitude, Karekezi guided Rayon Sports to three trophies during his short-stint with the Blues between 2017 and 2018. Could the former Amavubi captain be Kiyovu’s Jurgen Klopp and inspire them to the long-awaited league success? Only time will tell.
