Godfrey Okoko fires league title warning

Saturday SC Kiyovu 2-0 Amagaju FC Mukura VS 2-1 Rwamagana City Etincelles FC 0-0 Rayon Sports Friday Bugesera FC 2-0 Espoir Police FC 1-1 APR Mukura Victory Sports head coach Godfrey Okoko has warned his rivals that his side should be taken seriously in the race for the Azam Rwanda Premier League title after beating Rwamagana City 2-1 on Saturday at Muhanga Regional Stadium. Burundian import Christopher Ndayishimiye scored a second half brace to send Mukura to second position with six points, one behind leaders Police, who drew 1-1 with reigning champions, APR FC on Friday at Kicukiro stadium. Ndayishimiye’s two goals came in the 55th and 60th minutes which took him to the top of the goal scorers’ chart with three goals. Rayon Sports’ Davis Kasirye, Musanze’s Peter Otema and Bugesera’s Djihad Rucogoza have netted twice each this season. Earlier last week, Mukura defeated champions APR 2-0. “It is still a long season but we are in a very good position to push (for the title) as much as we can and then see where we end up, but my aim is to be among the title contenders,” Okoko said after the match, in response to a question regarding his team’s target for the season. He warned that, “We want to win match after match. My players know what we want, and we are here to cause problems for the big teams, so, no one should take us lightly.” The best position Mukura has managed in the last 20 seasons was second place back in the 2011/2012 season under Okoko. Last season, the Huye-based Black and Yellow outfit, finished in tenth position with 29 points. Former Mukura forward Emmanuel Minani scored the consolation goal for Francois Kalisa’s Rwamagana FC side, who dropped to fourth place with four points level with Rayon Sports, AS Kigali, Espoir, APR FC, Bugesera and Amagaju. AS Kigali were due to face Sunrise on Sunday. Newly promoted Rwamagana coach Kalisa has hailed his team after registering four points in three games. “We have tried to get maximum points and we will continue to get more points because our target is to stay in top division this season. My players have done a good job and hopefully we will continue to improve as the season progresses,” the former SC Kiyovu assistant coach said. Meanwhile, Rayon Sports failed to collect maximum points after being held to a goalless draw by second from bottom Etincelles at Tam Tam stadium in Rubavu. It is Etincelles’ first point of the season. The draw that followed a 2-1 defeat against AS Kigali leaves Rayon Sports in fifth place with four points while Etincelles are 15th with one point. AS Muhanga are yet to secure a point and bottom of the table. At Mumena stadium, Innocent Seninga’s side SC Kiyovu collected their first maximum points of the season following a 2-0 win over visitors Amagaju FC. New signings Amani Uwiringiyimana and Andre Lomami netted for the Green Baggies, who have moved into third spot with five points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw