Rayon start title defence against promoted Gicumbi

2013/14 opening fixturesSept. 28Rayon Sports vs GicumbiEtincelles vs EspoirAS Muhanga vs MukuraAmagaju vs AS KigaliMusanze vs Kiyovu Sept. 29APR vs MarinesPolice vs Esperance THE 2013/14 Turbo National Football League will start on September 28 and not September 21 as had earlier been scheduled. This was revealed by the Ferwafa’s General Assembly on Saturday.According to the local football federation chief Celestin Ntagungira, the decision was reached following a request from the country’s two biggest clubs, APR and Rayon Sports.“APR’s request was based on the fact that many of their players needed a rest after featuring for the national U-20 team during the Francophone Games, while Rayon Sports demanded more time to sort out their internal issues,” Ntagungira told Times Sport.He added, “After looking at the two requests, we found it appropriate to move the season start by one week since it wouldn’t affect much the calendar for the entire season.”Ntagungira further added that all top flight division clubs were informed to adhere to the medical check-ups before the league kicks off.Last month, Ferwafa sealed a partnership deal with Kigali Military Hospital to conduct medical examinations on all the players to ascertain if all players are in good health to take part in the league without any complications.League fixtures releasedChampions Rayon Sports will begin their league title defence against promoted side, Gicumbi FC, who are coached by former Rayon coach Jean Baptist Kayiranga on September 28 at Amahoro stadium.Also on the opening weekend, Etincelles will host Espoir at Umuganda stadium, AS Muhanga host Mukura, Amagaju will face the 2013 Peace Cup winners, AS Kigali at Stade de Kigali and Musanze host SC Kiyovu.Record 13-times league champions APR will kick off the season against Marines FC at Stade de Kigali, while Police, who finished second last season, will be up against another promoted side, Esperance FC at Kicukiro ground.Other high profile first round matches include; the clash between SC Kiyovu and Rayon Sports on October 5, Rayon Sports against Police on November 2, APR against Rayon Sports on November 10 and APR vs SC Kiyovu on December 21.The league will climax on May 24, 2014.