In the aftermath of Etincelles’ premature loss against Musanze in the seventh day of Primus National League, reports have emerged that the longstanding financial crisis and conflicts in the club played a part in the forfeit. Etincelles forfeited their match against Musanze after the Rubavu-based side failed to avail an ambulance at Umuganda Stadium before the pair’s match day 6 kickoff on Tuesday. A team of match officials led by centre referee Ibrahim Ugirashebuja decided to award three points in favor of the visitors after waiting for an ambulance on-site for 23 minutes in vain. A source in the Etincelles camp told Times Sport that the club is experiencing financial constraints on top existing conflicts among some officials in the club administration. Some leaders were not devoted to the cause (forfeit for the seventh round) because they had not received a single penny from the sponsors [Rubavu District], the source said in an interview. Times Sport also understands that no single club official was at the Stadium before the match was called off only to award Musanze a 3-0 victory as a result of the forfeit. It is said that some club officials decided to step aside, accusing the district of abandoning the team after failing to provide the funds it pledged to the club. With the forfeit, Etincelles sit bottom of the table with three points after six league games.
