Amahoro Stadium is expected to be filled to full capacity on Saturday, December 7, when two Rwandan heavyweights, Rayon Sports and APR FC, resume their rivalry in crunch Rwanda Premier League clash. The Rwandan derby was initially scheduled for September 14 before the league body postponed it to spare time for APR FC to prepare for the CAF Champions League. Rayon Sports have been in unstoppable form with nine wins in a row and are the only unbeaten team in the league so far this season. They lead the table with 29 points after 11 league games and are now 11 points clear of their fierce rivals who have played two games less. APR FC, on the other side, started the campaign on a wrong foot, but head coach Darko Novic has been working on fixing the loopholes in his squad and the team has started to gain momentum. Some players produced standout performances which have made a crucial impact on their respective teams' form. The likes of red-hot striker Fall Ngagne and Kevin Muhire have been so exceptional that they currently lead the top scoring and assist charts respectively in the league. APR, on the other hand, have been shy in front of goal but their defense, marshaled around Clement Niyigena, has been their strongest department. Stakes are high ahead of Saturday’s derby and Weekend Sport’s Edmund Okai Gyimah has picked his combined 11 from the two fierce rivals. Pavelh Ndzila (APR) The Congolese shot stopper has conceded just one goal in 9 league games so far this season and he has been vital to APR. Pavelh may not be that flamboyant in shot stopping but his ability to launch APR FC’s attack from the back with strong distribution skills and efficient range of passing is essential and it gives him the nod over Rayon’s Khadime Ndiaye. Omborenga Fitina (Rayon Sports) The experienced right back has been in good form so far this season with 3 assists to his name as the Blues lead the league table. His marauding runs down the right flank and his ability to whip in crosses makes him a standout player. Omborenga set up Olivier Niyonzima with a fine free kick in Blues’ 2-1 win over Muhazi United and it is something he has been doing consistently. ALSO READ: APR share spoils with Police FC in epic encounter Omborenga has flourished under returning head coach Ronertinho and his experience and longevity gives him an edge ahead of Gilbert Byiringiro who took over his place when he crossed over to Rayon from APR in July. Claude Niyomugabo (APR) The APR skipper struggled in club’s 1-1 draw with Police as he was skinned on the flanks by Peter Agblevor and substitute Elijah Ani. Niyomugabo has been efficient for APR in 8 of their last 9 games and he gets into our combined 11 ahead of Hakim Bugingo. ALSO READ: Niyonzima fires Rayon past Muhazi United Clement Niyigena (APR) Arguably the best central defender in the Rwanda Premier League, Niyigena has always been the rock at the back of APR. He defends, tackles and, above all, he is capable of scoring goals. Aimable Nsabimana (Rayon Sports) Nsabimana is very dangerous in the air and he also uses his size to great effect in 1 vs 1 situations. He already has a goal to his name so far this season and he is the main man in the Blues defense. On any day, he can be a nightmare for any of the strikers in the league. Nsabimana is no stranger to derbies, and it is good for him to prove his worth against his former employers. Taddeo Lwanga (APR) Lwanga has bossed APR midfield to perfection as he sits in front of the back four and does all the dirty work for the team. With APR missing Dauda in central midfield due to illness, the Uganda international has held his might, protecting the back four and the fact that the Lions have conceded just one goal this campaign justifies his work rate. Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports) The Rayon captain has provided 8 assists in 10 games this season making him the highest assists provider. On his day, he majestically controls the tempo of the game and sets up Rayon's attacking football in motion. Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR) Ruboneka is vital for APR due to his ability to play anywhere in midfield. He is also a set piece expert and has provided two assists so far this season. He is the engine of APR and the team revolves around him. If Ruboneka gets his day, the team performs well when he gets his day. Gilbert Mugisha (APR) The tricky winger is deadly on the left wing with his pace on artistry. Mugisha can torment any full back on any day with his pace and footwork. He has been one of the brightest spots in the APR tem this campaign. Against his former club, the winger must remind Robertinho what they miss from him. Hadji Iraguha (Rayon Sports) Iraguha has been in electric form for league leaders Rayon Sports and four goals in 10 games for a winger makes statistics worth laudable as it shows his quality. He makes things easy for the Blues as he always forges to get into the opponent penalty box to either score or assist. Fall Ngagne (Rayon Sports) A versatile centre forward who can drop back and hold up play, Ngagne has been key to the Rayon Sports unbeaten run. He has netted 6 goals in 10 league games and remains a major threat in front of the opponent’s post. Coach: Robertinho The wily Brazilian gaffer has brought life into Rayon Sports and they have shown that they are real title contenders. Under Robertinho, Rayon are unbeaten in 11 games as they have won 9 straight games and drawn twice. They have won all their games after draw with Marines and Amagaju in the first two league games of the season.
