Gicumbi, Esperance eye 2nd div. title, cash

Despite both being already qualified to the top flight division, Esperance and Gicumbi FC have their eyes on the second division league title and the Rwf2.5m top cash prize.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sunday Third place Playoff Bugesera      vs     Sunrise   1pmFinal Esperance    vs    Gicumbi  3pmDespite both being already qualified to the top flight division, Esperance and Gicumbi FC have their eyes on the second division league title and the Rwf2.5m top cash prize.The final to decide the second division league champions of the 2012/13 season will be played on Sunday at Amahoro National Stadium. It will be preceded by the third place playoff between Bugesera and Sunrise.The Kimisagara based Esperance FC saw off Sunrise in semi-finals, while Gicumbi FC also brushed aside the favourites Bugesera FC to reach the final and a place in Primus national league next season. Bugesera and Sunrise were hot favourites to gain promotion after dominating Pool A and B respectively during the regular season.Esperance FC president Donatien Nsengimana told Times sport yesterday,” Hopefully, the efforts we are investing in preparations will earn us the title.”"We are doing everything possible to win this league and get motivated to prepare well for the next season in the top flight division,” said Nsengimana.As for Gicumbi FC, head coach, Jean Paul Kalisa told this paper in a separate interview, "We have fought hard to be in the final and we will not rest on our lures before we achieve our target of winning the title.”"After the semi-finals, we gave the players a one week break before they returned to training (on Monday) as we prepare for the biggest game of the season,” he said.He added, "It would be a dream achievement for this club if we are crowned champions. It will give us more drive going into next season in the top flight division.” For the first time, the champions as well as the first, second and third runners-up will receive cash prizes ranging from Rwf2.5m to Rwf1m courtesy of the Rwanda Football Association (Ferwafa) and the ministry of Sports and Culture.