The battle for relegation has reached a crucial stage where four to five teams are fighting to stay in the Primus National League next season. Four bottom-placed teams namely Etincelles, Bugesera FC, Gorilla FC and Etoile de l’Est are currently separated by three points and their fate on staying in the topflight league or dropping to second division will depend on how they fare in the final six league fixtures. The teams are now battling for survival in an intensive race which will see two bottom-placed sides dropping to the second division. ALSO READ: Etoile coach Kwaku optimistic about league survival Weekend Sport looks at what is at stake for each of the four teams the quest to stay in the league hits a crucial stage. Etincelles Position: 13th Points: 25 The Rubavu-based club have not been the same following the departure of striker Moro Sumaila to Police FC in August 2023. The club has been hit with financial crisis which supporters blame on Rubavu District as shown on placards at various venues where the team has been playing. Supporters have accused the district of abandoning the club players protesting over salary arrears. This has affected coach Radjab Bizumuremyi’s side to struggle with performances, making it difficult to get results. Etincelles’ away form is so poor as they hardly take points away from Umuganda Stadium, their home venue. The club will need to put their financial situation and focus on their next fixtures against Bugesera FC, Rayon and Muhazi United and manage to get points if they are to stay in the topflight league. Remaining games: Bugesera FC (away), Rayon Sports (away), Muhazi United (home), AS Kigali (away), Kiyovu SC (home) and Gasogi United (away). Bugesera FC Position: 14th Points: 23 Despite having the league top scorer Elijah Ani in their fold, Bugesera FC are battling relegation. Their major problem has been at the back where they have been porous, having conceded 31 goals this season. Their next three league games are crucial, they will host Etincelles, play away to Marines before welcoming Rayon Sports to Bugesera Stadium. With Elijah in his prime, they can pick six points from those three games which can aid their survival no matter what happens in their final two games. Next three games: Etincelles (home), Marines (away), Rayon Sports (home), Police (away), Rwamagana (home). Gorilla FC Position: 15th Points: 23 Nothing has changed at Gorilla FC even when the club management decided to sack Mussa Gatera in February and replaced him with Ivan Minnaert. Gorilla FC are the only team that failed to win a single game in their last outings, collecting just two points out of a possible 15, raising concerns around the Belgian tactician’s failure to make immediate impact at the team and rescue it from relegation. Overall, the team recorded five wins, eight draws and 11 loses in 24 league games. They have been very abysmal this season and if they don't step up their output, they may find themselves in the second division next season. Gorilla FC have three tough games against Police FC, Etoile de l’Est and Musanze FC. It does not look good for Gorilla FC as they can drop further. Remaining games: Police FC (home), Etoile (away), Musanze FC (home), Sunrise FC (away), APR FC (away), Mukura VS (home). Etoile de l'Est Position: 16th Points: 22 The Ngoma-based club managed to win three of their last five games including crucial victories over AS Kigali and Kiyovu SC. They are aiming to continue their survival push with six games left. Currently, they are 16th on the table with 22 points but, looking at the points build up, if they win at least three of their remaining five games and pray that any of the bottom teams drop points, they could have a lifeline. Thursday’s 1-0 away win over Gasogi United saw Etoile close the gap to within one point out of relegation zone. Their next three games will be against Gorilla FC and Amagaju FC and Marines. These are manageable games in which they can get points if they prepare well. Remaining games: Gorilla FC (home), Amagaju FC (away), Marines (home), Police FC (away) and Bugesera FC (home).
