APR face Police test

SECOND DEBUT:Veteran defender Katauti back in Rayon squadPNFL, todayMarines vs Rayon Sports Espoir vs La Jeunesse Police vs APR Isonga vs Mukura League champions APR Fc are hoping to use their heavy midweek triumph against Marines to turn their stuttering season around as they face table leaders Police Fc as the battle for Primus National Football League title hots up this afternoon at Amahoro stadium.The military side produced a remarkable 7-1 victory over Marines on Wednesday to move four points behind the Law and Order enforces’ side, who have built a team to win the club’s first ever silverware.APR Dutch coach Ernie Brandts said, “We are ready for the tough challenge against Police. They (Police) have improved greatly this season and credit to them.”“But we have gained confidence after finding our scoring touch against Marines and are well set for game. “It is going to be a 50-50 game and we will be gunning for three points so as to close the gap on them,” noted Brandts, who will miss the services of the absent Burundian international Selemani Ndikumana.His Police counterpart, Goran Kopunovic was unavailable for a comment but team captain Meddie Kagere, who on the eve of the derby was speculated to be on APR’s wish list said, “I am only concentrating on tomorrow’s (today) game.”“For us to be able to maintain our good season and get closer to the title, we have to beat APR and move forward, so we will try to play and win,” added Kagere who is the league’s top scorer with nine goals.Police twice came from behind to win a thrilling first round encounter 3-2 early last month at the same venue, a result that made all their rivals take note of Police’s intentions as far this season’s league title is concerned. Second home coming Meanwhile, veteran defender Hamad Ndikumana aka Katauti, who has made 51 appearances for Amavubi is set to make his second debut for Rayon Sports against Marines at Umuganda stadium this afternoon. The former Amavubi skipper, who was recently released by Cyprus’ APOP Kinyras Peyias, also played for Anorthosis, KV Mechelen, Apop Kinyras Petias, Nea Salamina and KAA Gent.He was part of the famous Amavubi squad which played at the 2004 Africa Nations Cup in Tunisia. Since leaving Rayon in 1999, the 33-year old has played for 10 difference clubs in Europe but none of them in the big leagues. Ntagwabira said yesterday, “Katauti may start because he has been able to train with us. We are going for nothing short of a win against Marines.”The Blues, who are missing Djamal Mwiseneza and Mbanyi Ndayisaba to suspension are in fourth position with 27 points played a scoreless draw against Mukura midweek.