Rayon Sports and APR FC is more than just a game in Rwanda. It's a fierce rivalry that extends beyond football and captivates the entire local sports world.
Since 1995, the two Rwandan heavyweights have had a long-standing history filled with compelling rivalry storylines that unfold each year.
READ ALSO: Rayon Sports vs APR FC: The derby’s ultimate combined XI
Saturday’s clash will be the 102nd meeting between the two teams in all competitions. APR have been a dominant force for the past three decades with 43 victories against Rayon Sports 32 while the pair settled for a draw 26 times.
With a total of 261 goals scored between them, APR FC found the back of the net 135 times, while the Blues scored 126 goals.
Arguably among the best in the region, the Rwanda derby matches evoke a rollercoaster of emotions both on and off the pitch. Sometimes, if not most of the times, such derbies spark imminent sackings of coaches on the losing side.
The Rayon Sports vs APR FC derby is a moment when fans take a firm stand for their team. There's no middle ground here.
This match brings out the best and worst among supporters who are always locked in tense debates and arguments until kickoff time.
Times Sport spoke to various fans and below is what they had to say about the derby.
Bosco ‘Rwarutabura’ Ngendahimana (Rayon Sports)
The rivalry between the two teams is so strong that some APR FC fans are even avoiding going to the stadiums because they haven't beaten Rayon in almost two years.
It doesn't matter how many games or titles you win, if you can't beat Rayon, the fans won't let it slide. And the same goes for Rayon too.
Jacques ‘Rujugiro’ Munyaneza
Even though we (APR) have been winning the league title multiple times, it's not enough if we can't defeat Rayon.
Personally, I would trade this season’s league title to victory against Rayon in both home and away games because we have won the past four titles but we haven’t beaten Rayon for almost five games now.
Donatha Nyirahabimana (Rayon Sports)
This derby means a lot to many people across the country. The anticipation and excitement start building up two weeks before kickoff, and you start receiving calls from colleagues you haven't talked to in a while.
On matchday, everything feels different, and the fear starts creeping in. That Monday after losing the derby is truly tough.