Archrivals Kiyovu and APR face-off

TODAY
SC Kiyovu v APR
Marines’ v Rayon
AS Kigali v Electrogaz

TOMORROW
Etincelles v Mukura
Police v Atraco
Amagaju v Musanze

TRADITIONAL league giants SC Kiyovu and APR will renew their rivalry this afternoon when they face-off in a national football league first round tie at Amahoro stadium.

Points dropped against minor opposition are often detrimental to any side’s quest for a league title but games between the any one of the big sides offer more than just conceited rights.

After losing their last match 1-0 against newly promoted side-Etincelles, Kiyovu dropped to 8th on the league table. The team, which has been branded the ‘Manchester City’ of Rwanda after revamping their side in the off-season now need to find their footing and Ntagwabira sees no better way of doing it than a win over his former employers.

"We need to bounce back and there is no better way of doing it than to win Saturday’s game,” the former APR coach said.

"That will give us the confidence we need to push for a title this year.”

"It will be a hard tie but we have prepared well for the contest,” he added.

On the other hand, APR’s Erik Paske has refused to dwell so much on the tie by insisting that his team can maintain their strong league start.

"It’s like any other game and with the training we have done, I have no doubt about my squad,” the Dutch tactician said.

"We have played well in our last two games and I hope we carry on in the same way. We have worked hard as a team and we should be fine if we keep playing like that,” Paske said.

While Kiyovu’s only injury case is Masudi Kaka (knee), the defending champions have to cope without the likes of Albert Ngabo (knee), Jean Bosco Uwacu (knee), Xavier Cedric (knee) and Yannick (toe fracture) while Elias Ntaganda and Jean Mugiraneza will have to undergo late fitness tests.

Ntagwabira, who parted ways with APR in 2006, is eager to prove his worth on the opposite side.

Ends