Tricky one for new boys

Today’s fixtures Electrogaz v APR Atraco v Marine Kiyovu v Kibuye Military v Police Etincelles v Rayon Sport Mukura v AS Kigali Winless after three rounds of matches, new comers Electrogaz and Military have tricky ties as the league returns this afternoon on different grounds around the country. The national football league is back in action today when new boys Electrogaz host the champions at camp Kigali while Military entertain Police at Mironko grounds in Gikondo . With one point from three league fixtures, Abdu Mbarushimana’s Electrogaz are eight points behind champions APR and starts the game as underdogs despite playing at home. Electrogaz went through the second division without so much difficulty but have found life in the top division such a menace. Their only point so far came against Etincelles in Gisenyi last week. However, Mbarushimana is confident and is relishing the challenge the champions have to offer to his inexperienced side. We have improved a lot since the start of the national league. It has not been easy for new players to adjust to the league. But now that problem has been rectified and every body is ready for what will not be an easy task against the champions, Mbarushimana said. Meanwhile, APR has been in an excellent form and their youthful side poses a big threat to not only the new comers but all their rivals.Head Andy Mfutila is confident about attaining maximum points from today’s game and keep pressure on table leaders Atraco who also have a winnable fixture against struggling Marines in Shyorongi. We have prepared harder for tomorrow’s (today) and apart from two players, the rest of the squad is ok, the Congolese trainer stated. Mfutila will be without newly signed Cameroonian striker Louis Philippe Belinga who is out with an ankle injury and Kabange Twite is reportedly to be fatigued so he could be rested for today’s game. APR is set to rely on Jabir Mutarambirwa who scored the winner against Police last week. The former Kiyovu captain has so far scored three league goals since the start of the season. Mfutila also welcomes back Haruna Niyonzima and Mbuyu Twite who were rested last week. The duo is fresh from helping the national team finish second in last year’s Cecafa Cup Championship held in Tanzania. Elsewhere, leaders Atraco hosts Marines at Shorongyi grounds, Kibuye which has only one point from three fixtures faces Kiyovu at Mumena stadium. Kiyovu, who are placed third on the table with nine points, will rely on league top scorer with four goals, Games Uwimana in their hunt for this year’s league title challenge.After last week’s shock 0-1 defeat of Rayon, Jean Baptist Kayiranga’sAS Kigali are away to Mukura at Huye stadium. Another new league entrants Military host Police at Mironko while Rayon travel north for a crucial one against Etincelles. The blues have won just one game and lost two in three league matches, so coach Thierry Hitimana will surely be under so much pressure to avoid further slip-ups or else forget about the title. Today’s fixtures Electrogaz v APR Atraco v Marine Kiyovu v Kibuye Military v Police Etincelles v Rayon Sport Mukura v AS Kigali BY BONNIE MUGABE Winless after three rounds of matches, new comers Electrogaz and Military have tricky ties as the league returns this afternoon on different grounds around the country. The national football league is back in action today when new boys Electrogaz host the champions at camp Kigali while Military entertain Police at Mironko grounds in Gikondo . With one point from three league fixtures, Abdu Mbarushimana’s Electrogaz are eight points behind champions APR and starts the game as underdogs despite playing at home. Electrogaz went through the second division without so much difficulty but have found life in the top division such a menace. Their only point so far came against Etincelles in Gisenyi last week. However, Mbarushimana is confident and is relishing the challenge the champions have to offer to his inexperienced side. We have improved a lot since the start of the national league. It has not been easy for new players to adjust to the league. But now that problem has been rectified and every body is ready for what will not be an easy task against the champions, Mbarushimana said. Meanwhile, APR has been in an excellent form and their youthful side poses a big threat to not only the new comers but all their rivals.Head Andy Mfutila is confident about attaining maximum points from today’s game and keep pressure on table leaders Atraco who also have a winnable fixture against struggling Marines in Shyorongi. We have prepared harder for tomorrow’s (today) and apart from two players, the rest of the squad is ok, the Congolese trainer stated. Mfutila will be without newly signed Cameroonian striker Louis Philippe Belinga who is out with an ankle injury and Kabange Twite is reportedly to be fatigued so he could be rested for today’s game. APR is set to rely on Jabir Mutarambirwa who scored the winner against Police last week. The former Kiyovu captain has so far scored three league goals since the start of the season. Mfutila also welcomes back Haruna Niyonzima and Mbuyu Twite who were rested last week. The duo is fresh from helping the national team finish second in last year’s Cecafa Cup Championship held in Tanzania. Elsewhere, leaders Atraco hosts Marines at Shorongyi grounds, Kibuye which has only one point from three fixtures faces Kiyovu at Mumena stadium. Kiyovu, who are placed third on the table with nine points, will rely on league top scorer with four goals, Games Uwimana in their hunt for this year’s league title challenge.After last week’s shock 0-1 defeat of Rayon, Jean Baptist Kayiranga’sAS Kigali are away to Mukura at Huye stadium. Another new league entrants Military host Police at Mironko while Rayon travel north for a crucial one against Etincelles. The blues have won just one game and lost two in three league matches, so coach Thierry Hitimana will surely be under so much pressure to avoid further slip-ups or else forget about the title.Ends