Khanfir aims higher after sealing league title

ThursdayAS Muhanga 1-0 Rayon Sports Marines FC 2-0 Mukura VS SundaySC Kiyovu vs Rayon Sports Police FC vs Marines FC Etincelles FC vs Bugesera FC July 13Espoir FC vs Rayon Sports Match Day 30July 17Mukura VS vs Bugesera FC SC Kiyovu vs AS Muhanga Police FC vs Etincelles FC Espoir FC vs Gicumbi FC APR FC vs AS Kigali Amagaju FC vs Sunrise FC Rwamagana City vs Marines FC Musanze FC vs Rayon Sports APR FC won a record-extending 16th league title on Thursday without kicking a ball after their closest challengers Rayon Sports slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at already relegated AS Muhanga at Muhanga regional stadium. Now, according to APR head coach Nizar Khanfir, attention turns to preparing well for the CAF Champions League, a competition where the Rwandan champions have not had a very good record. The Tunisian tactician, who took over the reigns at APR in early March, is hoping to improve APR’s dismal record in Africa’s premier club competition. “It is a great honour to win the title but we have a lot to work on and improve ahead of the next season, and especially for the CAF Champions League. We have had a good season, everyone was determined to perform to his best and bring pride to the club,” Khanfir told Times Sport. APR landed the league title three days after losing to Rayon Sports 1-0 in the Peace Cup final; nevertheless, Khanfir insists that, “We could have won a double but we didn’t but at least we have won the league and we shall play in the CAF Champions League.” “My players have given everything to get this title, given the way we started the season, and I am confident we will do much better next season,” he noted. The 60-year old added:- “We have to keep working hard so it is up to us to improve. We missed the Peace Cup but I am happy with the way my players did in that competition.” On Thursday, Rayon Sports, who still had an outside chance to win the league, were brought back to earth by AS Muhanga, thanks to a 58th minute strike by Jean Bosco Akayezu. Djuma Masudi’s team, with three matches still to play, missed clear opportunities to win the game with both Davis Kasirye and Pierrot Kwizera missing two penalties either side of the half time break. APR will play their final league match against AS Kigali on July 17. Relegated AS Muhanga, despite the win, remain rooted at the bottom of the 16-team table standing with 21 points. Elsewhere, Marines FC edged visitors Mukura Victory Sports 2-0 at Umuganda Stadium, courtesy of goals from Blaise Itangishaka and Haruna Muvunyi. Marines FC moved into 10th spot with 30 points while Mukura remain in third with 57 points. The league will continue on Sunday when Rayon Sports take on SC Kiyovu at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo before heading to Rusizi for another tricky affair against Espoir on July 13. editorial@newtimes.co.rw