Sunday

Kiyovu         Vs    AS Kigali

Bugesera    Vs    APR

Former champions SC Kiyovu will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s upset against Bugesera when they take on AS Kigali at Mumena Stadium on Sunday.

The two former league giants face-off in match-day 9 encounter of the 2018/2019 Azam Rwanda Premier League.

After eight match rounds, AS Kigali find themselves in an unfamiliar territory of 13th place in the 16-team table, with only seven points out of a possible 24, while SC Kiyovu are in sixth position with 13 points, six ahead of the former.

Speaking to Sunday Sport on Saturday, Kiyovu head coach Allain Kirata said: "It is important that we win (against AS Kigali) because the three points will move us to fifth place on the table.”

"The defeat to Bugesera stole us a chance to cut the deficit to the top, we can’t afford two defeats in two weeks. The AS Kigali game is a must-win,” he added.

However, Djuma Masudi’s AS Kigali will be also keen on proving they are back to winning ways after recording their first victory into the 2018-19 season on Thursday as they thrashed Bugesera 3-0 at Kigali Stadium.

"The Bugesera victory should mark a new beginning for us, and we have to prove it on Sunday (today). The players are fit and in excellent mood to face Kiyovu,” said Masudi.

The former SC Kiyovu striker further noted that, "If we can stick to our game plan, we have a chance to earn all the three points. However, we have to be conscious that it won’t be easy. We will have to work for it, and we are ready for the challenge.”

Meanwhile, APR travel to Nyamata grounds for a tricky encounter against Bigesera.

Should the record 18-time champions beat Bugesera at home, they will unseat Mukura at the summit with a maximum 21 points as the latter have a league-free weekend due to their engagement in the 2018-19 CAF Confederation Cup.

Bugesera will be without their key midfielder Steve Nzigamasabo while centre-back Herve Rugwiro and midfielder Mirafa Nizeyimana will miss the tie on Jimmy Mulisa’s side.

Ahead of the Sunday fixtures, unbeaten Mukura are top with 19 points, one ahead of second-placed APR. However, the latter have played one game less.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw