Gicumbi FC head coach, Abdul ‘Beken’ Bizimana, has urged his players and club to plan well for life in topflight league next season after surviving relegation in playoffs.

The Gicumbi District-based side returned to Azam Rwanda Premier League on Monday without playing a single game in the second division after edging Sorwathe and Pipiniere to secure the right to replace Intare FC in the top-tier division.

Intare FC, who had earned promotion to first division football as second division league champions last season, announced their withdrawal in August.

"We’re happy to be back in the topflight league, we fought very hard because we felt we didn’t belong to second division. After sealing the spot (to replace Intare FC), we should now ensure we avoid the mistakes we made last season,” stated Beken.

Gicumbi make the quick return to topflight league after emerging the winner of the three-team playoff tournament.

They played out a 2-all draw against Sorwathe on Monday afternoon to claim the ticket with four points following their 2-1 victory over Pepiniere on last Saturday. The latter finished with three points while Sorwathe only managed one point from their stalemate with Gicumbi.

Pepiniere defeated Sorwathe FC 4-2 in the opening match last week.

The 2018/19 season will kick off on October 19, after the curtain-raiser Super Cup clash between league champions APR and Peace Cup winners, Mukura VS, which is due on Saturday at Umuganda Stadium, in Rubavu District.

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