Rwanda’s two football heavyweights APR FC and Rayon Sports will lock horns on Saturday, March 9, at Kigali Pele Stadium. The Blues seek to stop APR and end their 23-match unbeaten run while the army side eye a win to put themselves in pole position to win their fifth straight league title whose race enters its crucial. Rayon head into this weekend’s tie sitting second on the standings and trailing 10 points adrift of their fiercest rivals. Ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested encounter, Weekend Sport present you APR vs Rayon Sports combined XI ahead of Saturday’s derby. Goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila (APR FC) The Congolese international has been in top form for APR FC this season despite his poor start which saw him conceding six goals against Pyramids FC in their CAF Champions League campaign. Ndzila has saved APR a host of times this season with some of his outstanding games being against Mukura Victory Sports and Gasogi United at Kigali Pele Stadium. He has conceded just 12 goals in 23 league games so far this season, which is the least by a goalkeeper in the topflight league. ALSO READ: Photos: More Rayon misery as Bizimana's strike wins derby for APR Defense Omborenga Fitina (APR) The experienced right-back has been very efficient for APR FC this season. When he is fit, he is among the convincing starters at APR and he always lives up to expectations. Omborenga contributes significantly to both defensive and offensive play and his marauding runs down the right flanks has contributed to a host of goals. The Amavubi defender is also a dead ball expert as he can score through set pieces. Christian Ishimwe (APR) The overlapping left back has been superb for APR. Just like Fitina, Ishimwe also has pace, contributes both defensively and offensively and is a dead-ball expert. On any day, Ishimwe is among APR’s livewires as one run from him can cause havoc in the opponent's half. Isaac Mitima (Rayon Sports) The towering guardsman has shown his pedigree at Rayon Sports and he has been arguably their best centre back this season. Mitima is very cool on the ball, his anticipation is superb, and he doesn't fear to go in for crunch tackles. He has been among the reasons why Rayon are still in the title race. Clement Niyigena (APR) The talented centre back has been in fine form since his return from a long-term leg injury. Niyigena has stabilized the APR back four and he remains their first choice at the back. He excelled against some of the feared strikers in the league including Police star striker Peter Agblevor. Niyigena is an all-round defender. He tackles, passes, defends and he can also contribute to goals. Midfield Eric Ngendahimana (Rayon Sports) The towering defensive midfielder has scored three goals in his last four meetings with APR in all competitions. The experienced midfield anchor is a big game player who gets the job done in tough times. Though he doesn't start often currently, games against APR have always been his matches and he has excelled all the time he has faced them recently. Ngendahimana has penchant for scoring against the defending League Champions. He can be their nightmare again on Saturday. Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR) Ruboneka has been excellent for APR this season with his general output and he has raked in a couple of goals. He scored against Marines FC on February 7, against Police on January 21 and in the win over Musanze on October 6. Ruboneka is no doubt the engine of APR and he keeps the team going with his great performances. With him in midfield, Julien Mette will have to get his tactics right to get the game in his hands. Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports) Muhire has established himself as a key player at Rayon Sports since he rejoined the club in December. The mercurial midfielder dictates the pace of the game for the Blues with his fine displays. He has saved his side twice this season including a 90th minute winner against Etoile de l'Est at Ngoma Stadium on February 17. Muhire has also shown great leadership qualities after taking over the armband from Abdul Rwatubyaye who joined Macedonian side FC Shkupi in February. Attack Arsene Tuyisenge (Rayon Sports) The tricky winger has scored three goals this season which includes a brace in Blues 2-0 win over Sunrise FC at Nyagatare Stadium. In his prime, Tuyisenge is unplayable, he can score goals and assist. His confident level has improved so me regaining his starting role in recent games. He put up some decent exploits and, with consistency, we could pose a threat on APR on Saturday. Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub (APR FC) Thierry Froger has transformed Shaiboub into a striker after losing his main man Victor Mbaoma to injury and his performance has been topnotch in the second round. Shaiboub has had an impressive second round upfront, scoring 5 goals in 8 games. Though he is a natural central midfielder, he is excelling in his unfamiliar striking role and his hunger for goals, besides leadership, could destabilize Rayon’s defense. Victor Mbaoma (APR) The striker scored 12 goals in the first half of the season before sustaining an injury in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar. He is now back and looking to rewrite his name on the scoreboard against Rayon. Mbaoma hasn't scored in the second round yet but he is a prolific player who can get the job done at any time. With the Ngerian, APR’s attack looks deadly on paper considering that he has the natural instincts and perfect movements inside the opponent's 18-yard box to score. Mitima and his defensive coordinator partners will have to watch him closely otherwise things could turn bitter for the Blues.
