Title race soars

National Football LeagueTodayKiyovu v AS KigaliAmagaju v PoliceLa Jeunesse v MarinesAPR v ElectrogazRayon v KibuyeMukura v Atraco THE race for this year’s national league title will hit new heights this afternoon as reigning champions Atraco and nine-time league champions APR face stern tests in Mukura and Electrogaz. But table leaders Atraco have the toughest challenge when they travel to Mukura, a team famous for frustrating the big guns. Atraco on 47 points, are two points clear of APR and know that anything short of three points today will open doors for the army side eager to add a tenth league trophy to their already adorned trophy shelf. Sam Timbe’s assistant Emmanuel Ruremesha reckons that Atraco, who have been boosted by the return of their star striker Peter Kagabo are up for the challenge. The striker had been considered a doubt after suffering a knock in Monday’s MTN Peace Cup 2-1 win over Rayon Sport. “It is good news for us because he is a top player and adds a lot to the side. There is very good morale in the dressing room because the team has been winning and we are not about to halt that,” said Ruremesha. APR will also have their plate full when they take on sixth placed Electrogaz at Ferwafa. The military side will play minus their influential midfielder Jean Mugiraneza ‘Migi’ who suffered a knock in his right knee during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Mukura in the MTN Peace Cup semi-final first leg. However, their head coach Erik Paske is still determined to win. “We have to be confident in whatever we do and stay focused because what we need tomorrow (today) is a win,” he said yesterday. The Dutch coach missed Saturday’s MTN Peace Cup semi-final first leg against Mukura which ended in a 2-2 draw.With goalkeeping coach Claude Ishimwe in charge, APR seemed short of ideas and confidence. Electrogaz are on 24 points, and know that a fourth place finish is within reach if they can dig out results from their remaining two fixtures. Elsewhere, 2004 champions Rayon Sport host Kibuye at Nyamirambo while SC Kiyovu host AS Kigali at Mumena. Police play away to Amagaju while relegation bound La Jeunesse take on Marines at Kicukiro. Ends

Lifestyle

Title race soars