Attention turns back to the 2023/24 FERWAFA Men's Second Division League which kicks off Saturday, November 4. A lot is at stake with the title and promotion to next season’s Primus National League being every team’s priority. Etoile de l'Est and Amagaju were promoted to the topflight league while Gicumbi FCwere made to wait for another chance this season after failing to beat Vision as a 1-1 draw at Mumena Stadium saw their promotion hopes short-lived. The Gicumbi-based side returns to action with the same ambition: a topflight league promotion. But, with potential stiff competition from the likes of Espoir FC, AS Muhanga and Co., the ticket is far from guaranteed, they will have to sweat to earn it on merit. Meanwhile, every second division side is a candidate to join the Primus National League next season. Teams have reinforced their squads as they anticipate tough competition. Two spots to the topflight league are up for grabs and only the best will prevail. But who are favourites to play topflight football next season? Who are underdogs? And which teams are tough to predict and instead pose a threat to upset giants. What makes the Second Division League so captivating is the fact that is not predictable. There is no clear-cut answer. Weekend Sport’s Alexis Kayinamura delves into predictions in every aspect as action resumes this weekend. The Favourites Four former topflight teams are currently leading the pack as favourites to win the Second Division League title. Espoir FC, fresh from the topflight league, sign in the new season with a ‘favourites’ tag considering the squad that head coach Marcel Lomami has at his disposal. The club made significant signings during the transfer window including prominent figures like former Gad Niyonshuti, former Djihad Rucogoza and Romani Frank who previously played topflight football at Musanze FC and Sunrise FC respectively. However, despite undergoing major squad overhaul, Espoir FC faces tough competition from the likes of AS Muhanga, Gicumbi FC and Rutsiro FC will push them to their limits. Gicumbi FC fell short during last season’s race to the topflight promotion after failing to beat Vision in a match that would have qualified them to the Primus National League. If they keep the tempo this season, better never write them off. Meanwhile, AS Muhanga were knocked out of the quarter finals last season but their coach Abdoul Mbarushimana has always been up to the task. He knows what it takes to qualify a team to the top flight league and his presence on AS Muhanga’s touchline this season is a big boost for their promotion hopes. Rutsiro FC are back to the second division after three seasons in the topflight league. The fact that they know what it takes to earn a promotion gives them an advantage as favourites to make an immediate return to ‘where they belong’. The Dark Horses Vision FC and Ivoire Olympique are two teams that could surprisingly challenge for a ticket to the topflight league. Only a few, if none, never imagined that Vision FC would make it to the top four mini league from which two teams were promoted to the topflight league last season. They were a team to beat and some giants lost to them because they underrated them. There is no doubt that teams will struggle against the team which relies much on youth players. Another team to watch is Ivoire Olympique who are making their second appearance in the second divisions league. The club reached the quarter finals in their debut season and only lack of experience cost them. More are yet to come from the youthful team with outstanding talents that can destroy anyone. Underdogs The number of teams playing the second division league has increased from 20 to 28, with each group having 14 teams. Teams like Spring Hope Academy, Tsinda Batsinde, City Boys, and UR FC are among new faces in the league and their debut appearance makes them look like underdogs. However, it's always exciting to see underdogs surprise us and overcome expectations. Who knows, they might just prove everyone wrong and secure a topflight promotion out of nowhere.
