Following APR’s thumping 5-0 win over Musanze on Saturday, third-placed Rayon Sports will be looking to close the gap when they face SC Kiyovu at Kigali Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off 6pm.

Rayon, who are on a three-match winning run, beat AS Muhanga 2-1 on Thursday, while Sc Kiyovu are fresh from a 5-2 victory against Bugesera on Wednesday.

"We have to draw inspiration from Wednesday’s win, and fight for all the points against Rayon. We are ready for the challenge,” said Dieudonné ‘Burucaga’ Mugunga, the SC Kiyovu head coach.   "We will start the game with a lot of pressing and serious search for an early goal, but at the same time we have to defend well because we know the quality of the opponent. They can hurt you at any given moment,” he added.

While Rayon look to retain the league title, the Green Baggies are seeking to end their 27-year jinx since winning the last of their three championships in 1993.

For Mexican Martinez Espinosa, who joined Rayon in September, victory against Kiyovu is a must if they are to stay relevant in their title defence.

"Kiyovu are in good form and have a good coach, so we must give our best if we’re to win the game on Sunday,” Martinez Espinosa said.   "They (Kiyovu) are our oldest rivals, I understand why our supporters would want to win against them probably more than any other team.”

Rayon beat SC Kiyovu 1-0 the last time the two sides met in March this year.