Brandts to rest stars for Union clash

Selected fixturesGroup AAPR vs UnionSC Kiyovu vs BugeseraLa Jeunesse vs EsperanceMukura vs Unity Group BRayon vs SORWATHEEtincelles vs IntarePolice vs EspoirAS Kigali vs Zebres APR boss Ernie Brandts will rotate his squad this afternoon when the army side opens their Peace Cup title defence against Union at Mumena Stadium. The defending champions have Musanze to look forward to at the weekend in the Primus National Football League (PNFL) and Brandts is convinced his side is also in the running for the Cecafa Kagame Cup slated to run from June 21 to July 5 in Sudan.The Dutchman is keen to have a fully fit squad available to him and is expected to rest five to six stars. Although he was unwilling to reveal his squad, Malawian international Victor Nyirenda and the in-form Jean Baptist Mugiraneza a.k.a Migi are some of the players that could be given a breather.“There will be several changes in the team but whatever team we put out, it will do the job,” he said. Meanwhile, new Rayon Sport coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira also expects a strong start when the Blues take on Sorwathe at Kigali Regional Stadium. Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu under Ali Bizimana host Bugesera, Police play away to Espoir while AS Muhanga are already through to the next round after getting a bye. After the group stage, the 1/8 round will be played on May 11; the quarter-finals are slated for May 21 while the semi-finals are due on June 11.The third-place playoff and final are scheduled for June 18. Last year, APR lifted the title after a 1-0 win over Rayon in the final to wrap up a memorable treble. For their triumph, they pocketed Rwf10m while the Blues had to settle for Rwf7m. The Peace Cup winner also earns an automatic slot to the Orange Confederation Cup. Ends

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Brandts to rest stars for Union clash