Sports

PNFL, Today

APR         vs     Rayon Sport
SC Kiyovu     vs     Espoir
There is no love lost between the two teams and when the referee blows the first whistle, the rivalry will only intensify as defending champion APR face against archrivals Rayon Sports in a Primus league clash this afternoon at Amahoro stadium.

The military side, which is very much back in contention for the Primus league title after making a sloppy start to the season, will be hoping for maximum points to help them dethrone Police at the top of the league standing.

Dutch coach Ernest Brandts said yesterday, “All the remaining games are very crucial and we need to be focused, as every one of them is like a cup final for us if we’re to retain the title.”

“None the less, we are well prepared and players are 100% ready to try and get maximum points against Rayon Sports. It will be a very interesting game since both sides have a history behind them,” added Brandts.

His counterpart Jean Marie Ntagwabira refused to give any post-match comment ahead of the derby.

The Blues, who have been embroiled in financial wrangles with their players, will miss Burundian duo of Cedric Amiss, who is suspended following two accumulated yellow cards and Fuadi Ndayisenga, who has been suspended indefinitely by club.

The corresponding fixture ended a 2-all draw at the same venue. 

APR have 43 points, one point adrift of Police with four matches to go while rivals Rayon are in fourth place with 37 points.

The military side is looking to a 4th consecutive league title and their 13th in 17 years. They boast of the league skipper Olivier Karekezi, who has netted 12 times this season.

Primus League standings
CLUB        PD     W     D     L     PTs
POLICE         20     13     5     2     44
APR         20     13     4     3     43
MUKURA     20     11     6     3     39
RAYON         20     10     7     3     37
KIYOVU SC     20     10     5     5     35
ISONGA     20     8     6     6     30
ETINCELLES     21     6     7     8     25
MARINES     21     6     7     9     25
AS KIGALI     21     7     3     11     24
LA JEUNESSE     21     7     2     12     23
AMAGAJU     21     5     6     10     21
NYANZA     21     4     5     12     17
ESPOIR         19     1     3     15     6

Contact email: bonnie.mugabe[at]newtimes.co.rw