SC Kiyovu look to avoid Mukura’s backlash

IT will be a case of one team trying to bounce back while the other tries to avoid the backlash as table leaders SC Kiyovu host Mukura in the National Football league match at Stade de Kigali on Sunday afternoon.One match is lined up today and five others a day later in what should be an exciting weekend of football.With Kigali derby between APR and Rayon Sport postponed to a yet an unknown date because of the military side’s friendly match against UPDF’s Simba, which was set to be played on Friday, the day’s action will see Muhanga hosting La Jeunesse at Stade de Kigali.On Sunday, the old giants will come into the game looking to dust themselves off and bounce back from their mid week disappointing defeat to Police, according to both Coach Jean Baptista Kayiranga and Captain Eric Serugaba.SC Kiyovu top the log with 15 points, eight clear of ten-placed Mukura. But they have to secure maximum points so as to keep at the summit considering that rivals Musanze, APR and AS Kigali are surging from behind.“My boys were obviously down following the defeat, but we all know that the most important thing when you are down is bouncing back, and we aim to do this on Saturday against Mukura,” explains Serugaba.Kiyovu are not prepared to be walked over and are well aware of the challenging task that lies ahead, according to Kayiranga.“We have to get ourselves up and move on. We have to rectify mistakes that cost us heavily against Police. I am sure the team knows what is at stake and they will be eager to make amends against Mukura,”“I am building a team for the future and with more time (of) playing together, this team will be growing stronger,” added Kayiranga, who is seeking to become the first coach to lead Kiyovu to the league title since 1993.AS Kigali, third on twelve points, will hope to extend their impressive start to the season when they play away to Musanze where they must expect a tough ride.Musanze stand fourth with eleven points and have only lost one game, drawn twice and won three matches but they will look to build on their victory against Amagaju.Last year’s league title runner-ups Police face a tricky Isonga FC encounter at Amahoro stadium. The cops, fifth with eleven points, are boosted by their 2-0 victory over SC Kiyovu and will be hoping to extend their quest for the title with a win against Isonga who are placed 12th with four points in four matches.Upcountry side Amagaju is sixth in standings on nine points and travel to Rusizi to face Espoir, who are placed eighth on seven points.Etincelles and Marines clash in Western province derby which will be played in Rubavu. Marines stand on 13th position with three points while Etincelles are bottom of the table with one point in six matches.Etincelles will be hosting a red hot Marines side, which is fresh from defeating Isonga 1-0 in mid week at home.SC Kiyovu lead the standings with 15 points while Etincelles are rooted at the bottom with one point from six matches.National Football LeagueTodayMuhanga vs. La Jeunesse (Stade de Kigali)SundayEspoir vs. Amagaju (Rusizi)SC Kiyovu vs. Mukura (Stade de Kigali)Isonga vs. Police (Amahoro)Musanze vs. AS Kigali (Musanze)Etincelles vs. Marines (Umuganda) Match Day 7 suspensions1. Yossa Bertrand (Mukura)2. Gabriel Mugabo (Mukura)3. Aboubakar Nshimiyimana (Police)4. Celestin Ndayisenga (Isonga)5. Cassien Nzamurambaho (Muhanga)6. Emmanuel Ngama (Etincelles)7. Moise Bizimana (Espoir)8. Joachim Yenga Alanga (Amagaju)9. Christian Akimana (Musanze)Top Scorers1. Jimmy Mbaraga (AS Kigali) 52. Adolphe Hakundukize (Amagaju) 33. Yossa Bertrand (Mukura) 34. Barnabe Mubumbyi (APR) 35. Jean Claude Iranzi (APR) 3League TableClub PD W D L PtsSC Kiyovu 6 5 0 1 15APR 6 3 3 0 12As Kigali 5 3 2 1 12Musanze 6 3 2 1 11Police 6 3 2 1 11Amagaju 6 3 0 3 9 La Jeunesse 5 2 2 1 8 Espoir 6 2 1 3 7Mukura 6 2 1 3 7Muhanga 6 2 1 3 7Rayon 6 2 0 4 6Isonga 4 1 1 2 6Marines 6 1 0 5 3Etincelles 6 0 1 5 1