Miroplast interim coach satisfied with APR draw

Wednesday APR FC 0-0 MiroplastMukura 1-1 MarinesBugesera 0-0 EtincellesSunrise FC 1-1 Amagaju TuesdayKirehe FC 0-0 SC KiyovuPolice FC 2-2 AS Kigali MIROPLAST FC interim coach Jean De Dieu Rafiki believes his side is heading in the right direction after securing a more than deserved draw against record sixteen-time league champions APR FC on Wednesday at Kigali Stadium. The clash ended in a goalless draw with the Miroplast giving the best performance against APR, yet given the circumstances surrounding the club in the lead-up to the game. Following the goalless draw, APR remained in third position with 21 points, three behind leaders SC Kiyovu, while newly promoted Miroplast stayed bottom with 9 points after winning one game (against SC Kiyovu), five draws, including a 1-1 draw with defending champions Rayon Sports, and six losses. Rafiki, who was in charge, in the absence of head coach Hassan Muhire, who resigned five days ago, admits a point is a welcome relief. “I think we played well and created a lot of chances to win the game against a big team like APR but we failed to score, nevertheless, I am happy with the draw. Our coordination is finally starting to come together and I know that we shall get even better,” coach Rafiki said. Rafiki added that, “This shows that the boys are hungry to win and they are gaining more confidence which is good for the team ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Our target is to stay in the top division. We will keep fighting until the end.” Miroplast missed opportunities through former APR players; right back Yves Rwigema, forward Fred Mucyo and former Rayon Sports forward, Pekeyake Tuyisenge, all failing to find a way past APR goalkeeper Steven Ntalibi. APR dominated the encounter with Djihad Bizimana, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Issa Bigirimana, Blaise Itangishaka and Maxime Sekamana, all having an outstanding afternoon. After the game, APR head coach Jimmy Mulisa said, “We tried our best to get a goal but we failed. It was a tough game because everyone needed a win but it is not bad to get one point.” Miroplast are having a difficult time playing in the topflight division for the first time and it’s reported that the club has not paid salaries for players and coaching staff for three months. SC Kiyovu remain at the summit with 24 points, while AS Kigali are in second place with 22 points after 12 rounds of matches. editorial@newtimes.co.rw