Even though they’re facing Etincelles in their next outing over the weekend, Rayon Sports coach Djuma Masudi is more focused on the big one against archrivals and defending champions APR FC on January 21, at Amahoro National Stadium.

The military side hosts the first round clash, having suffered a first defeat (1-0) this season to AS Kigali last weekend. There is no love lost between APR and Rayon Sports, and every time the two rivals come face to face, it’s a fully blooded affair.

Speaking to Times Sport this week, Masudi said, he expects a "difficult” and "very tough” clash against their great enemies, "but that is the reason we’ve to put in extra work on the training ground.”

"We face Etincelles at the weekend but honestly, the main focus is on the big game against APR FC the weekend after, that is not to say that the next game isn’t important; but victory in that fixture (against APR) could determine whether we shall win the title this season or not,” he explained.

Unbeaten Rayon Sports with 32 points, enjoy a five-point lead at the top of the league table standing over second-placed APR FC after 12 rounds of matches played so far.

Masudi who is aiming to win his first league title, added, "If we win the next two games it will give us momentum to push for the ultimate prize. We have to give our all, playing good football.”

Last season, the first round clash between APR and Rayon Sports ended goalless before the later turned tables on their arch-enemies 4-0 in the second round as well as winning the Peace Cup final match 1-0.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw