Mukura bid to extend lead

ACTION:Six games on today Playing TodayMukura vs Rayon APR vs Marines Isonga vs Amagaju AS Kigali vs Espoir La Jeunesse vs Kiyovu Etincelles vs Police Local businessman, Jean de Dieu Rwigamba, the proprietor of local construction company, Eco-Queen Company Ltd, has staked $1000 (about Rwf0.6m) for Mukura players should they extend their lead at the helm of Primus league summit with a home win over Rayon Sports.The little known 35-year old, who has supported his home town club since childhood, told Times Sport yesterday, “Mukura is the club I have supported since I was 10 years, so I’m giving the team $1000 as motivation to beat Rayon Sports.”“We need the league title this season and we must do everything possible to help our players realise this dream,” added Rwigamba, who witnessed the Huye club win their maiden league title in 1992.Mukura lead the table with 33 points, two ahead of second placed Police FC, two clubs that are seeking to end APR’s dominance. Only three clubs APR (12), Rayon Sports (4) and Atraco (1) have won the league post 1994.APR are third with 27 points but having played a game less than their main title rivals. Rayon are in fourth on 26 points. Both APR and Rayon have played 14 matches.Meanwhile, Times Sport has learnt that Rwigamba has been giving the club match allowances worth Rwf. 200,000 for every game won during the first round.The Southern Province side, under the stewardship of coach Godefoid Okoko, has been in blistering form with 10 wins, 3 draws and just two defeats but despite such incredible performances, Okoko still feels his team are not favorites for the league title.Okoko said yesterday, “We are ready for the game against Rayon Sports. My players are well prepared, everyone is fit and we don’t have suspensions.”As for Rayon, coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira is set to welcome back five of his influential players like Jerome Sina, Iddy Nshimiyimana, Papy Kamanzi, Leandre Sekamana and Bokota Labama who all missed the midweek 2-all draw against Police.Second-placed Police faces a stern test away to Etincelles at Umuganda stadium with coach Goran Kopunovic seeking maximum points to keep pressure on leaders Mukura. Defending champion APR hosts Marines at Kigali regional stadium, Nyamirambo.