Friday, April 24 AS Kigali vs Gasogi United (Kigali Pele Stadium, 15:00) Gicumbi vs Rutsiro (Kigali Pele Stadium, 18:30) Struggling Rutsiro FC face a must-win clash against Gicumbi FC in the Rwanda Premier League, with both sides battling to secure their topflight status. Prior to the crucial fixture scheduled for Friday at Kigali Pelé Stadium, Rutsiro FC striker Jean Claude Nizeyimana has called on his teammates to step up in the final stretch of the season as they fight to avoid relegation. “It is possible (to avoid relegation), although it’s difficult considering how we have been missing chances and conceding goals. We need to regroup and get our mindset right to avoid relegation,” Nizeyimana said. Rutsiro are currently second from bottom with 22 points, three behind Etincelles, and remain under pressure to climb out of the relegation zone. In contrast, Gicumbi FC—who have shown consistency since returning to the topflight this season—are in 12th place with 29 points. However, they are not safe from relegation yet. With survival at stake, Nizeyimana stressed the importance of winning matches rather than relying on results elsewhere. “What we must do is win as many games as possible and then see what happens with other teams. The chances are still there, and we have to give everything in these remaining matches. A good run can change everything,” he said. Despite a challenging campaign, he remains optimistic. “There is always hope. We haven’t been convincing this season, but other teams are also struggling, and we can take advantage of that.” “Our priority is to stay in the top division. We’ve had our problems, but now we must focus on winning, especially at home. Taking points against Gicumbi is very important,” he added. Elsewhere, AS Kigali will take on Gasogi United earlier at the same venue. Rutsiro FC, founded to represent Rutsiro District in the Western Province, earned promotion to the Rwanda Premier League in November 2020 and have since established themselves in the topflight, occasionally producing notable results, including a draw against APR FC in Kigali in November 2024.
