It was yet again an entertaining and action-packed football weekend as the Primus National League gradually draws to a close. The weekend games saw 17 goals being recorded around the match centres with APR being the only team which won away following their 2-0 derby victory over rivals Rayon Sports in the top liner of match day 24. All the eight games produced at least a goal each as the teams at the bottom continued their quest for survival. Times Sport brings to you six things we learned from weekend action. APR so close fifth straight title The army side put up one of their best performances this season as they defeated their main rivals Rayon Sports 2-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, March 9. ALSO READ: Niyigena, Niyibizi end Blues title hopes as APR move 13-points clear On the day, coach Thierry Froger got everything right, APR looked very organized and put up a great showing from defense to attack. The fans from the stands weren’t left behind as they brought in new vuvuzelas with which they shut rival supporters down. Times Sport understands that the club bought over 300 vuvuzelas from Tanzania. APR opened a 13-point gap at the top of the table and they could be proclaimed champions as soon as they win their next two league fixtures against Muhazi United and AS Kigali. Shabani living up to the task The experienced Burundian striker has been vital for AS Kigali since his return to the club in January 2024. The 2020/21 top scorer, one of the most dangerous strikers in the Primus National League, is gradually getting back to his best after his unsuccessful stint in Libya. On Friday, March 8, he netted the solitary goal against Musanze that earned AS Kigali three points and moved them to 6th on the table with 34 points. If the Citizens can move further up the table, much can be credited to Shabani’s impact at the club. Mashami finally gets it right Coach Vincent Mashami decided to make several changes to his regular squad in the game against Gasogi United as Police FC sought their first win in the second round of the Primus National League after eight games. He gave Chukwuma Odili, Hesbon Rutonesha, Bienvenue Mugenzi and several fringe players a rare starting berth...and it worked for him. Police went a goal down but fought back to win 2-1 as they showed great fighting spirit. This is something they had failed to do in previous games. The former Amavubi tactician will now have a space to breathe after bringing his eight-game winless run to an end. Relegation battle in interesting stage Etoile de l'Est are still at the bottom of the table but two wins against AS Kigali and Kiyovu Sports in their last three league games have boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation. Now, the point difference between the Ngoma-based side and Gorilla FC and Bugesera who are 15th, 14th respectively is just four. Etoile just need to win a maximum three of their remaining league games and pray their main rivals at the foot of the table continue to drop points which can see them maintain their topflight status. -Gabriel Godspower carving a niche for himself Sadick Sulley was expected to lead Etoile de l'Est survival quest after they signed him for the second round following his return from Kyrgyzstan. However, it is Gabriel Godspower who has stolen the show with a series of breathtaking performances. The Nigerian striker has scored three times in his last four games including winning goals against AS Kigali and Kiyovu. He has really shown his pedigree and, no matter what happens, he might get a bigger offer in the July transfer window. Mid-season player exodus costing Rayon The Blues were looking down against APR over the weekend as they lacked the needed fire power, having lost four key players in Héritier Luvumbu, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Musa Esenu and Joackiam Ojera who left in mid season. Their unprecedented departure is hugely affecting the team’s performances considering that Julien Mette could get their replacements before the season ends. Rayon are only paying the price for their failure to keep the players. After Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to APR, Mette conceded that the title chase was over for his side. They are now shifting their focus on the Peace Cup but the lack of quality squad could haunt them again.
