Friday fixtures

AS Kigali vs Gicumbi FC — Kigali Pelé Stadium, 4:00 PM

Gorilla FC vs Rayon Sports — Kigali Pelé Stadium, 7:00 PM

The BK Pro League resumes on Friday, October 9, following the international break, with surprise leaders Gicumbi FC aiming to maintain their flawless start to the season, while Rayon Sports look to return to winning ways against Gorilla FC.

Matchday 4 gets underway at Kigali Pelé Stadium with two intriguing encounters, as Gicumbi face AS Kigali in the afternoon before Rayon Sports take on Gorilla FC in the evening.

Gicumbi have been the standout performers in the opening weeks under new coach Lotfi Afahmia, collecting a maximum nine points from their first three matches to sit alone at the top of the table.

Victories over Police FC (2-1), Amagaju FC (1-0) and Etoile de l'Est (2-1) have marked an impressive start for the Northern Province side, who are the only team yet to drop points this season.

Despite their strong opening, Afahmia insists his side must remain grounded.

"The players have shown great commitment since the beginning of the season, but the most important thing now is to stay humble,” Afahmia said. "We have made a good start, yet there is still a long way to go and every match will be difficult.”

The encounter carries added intrigue as Gicumbi face their former head coach Justin Bisengimana, who left the club at the end of last season to take charge of AS Kigali on a two-year contract.

Bisengimana played a key role in helping Gicumbi preserve their top-flight status during the 2025/26 campaign despite numerous challenges.

The club lacked a home ground and proper training facilities, forcing the team to train at Mumena and host matches at Kigali Pelé Stadium, significantly increasing operational costs for a side largely supported by Gicumbi District.

After beginning their first season back in the top flight with a defeat to APR FC, Gicumbi gradually found their rhythm and ultimately secured survival under Bisengimana's leadership.

Now, the coach faces the club he helped stabilize.

"It will be a special game because I spent an important period at Gicumbi and we achieved our objective of staying in the league,” Bisengimana said. "However, once the match starts, my full focus will be on helping AS Kigali get a positive result.”

While Gicumbi have enjoyed a dream start, AS Kigali have struggled to find momentum.

Bisengimana's side are still searching for their first goal of the season after three matches and will be hoping that a meeting with his former employers can provide the spark needed to launch their campaign.

"We have not started the season the way we wanted, but I see improvement in the team every week,” he added. "We need to be more clinical in front of goal and I believe our first win is not far away.”

Afahmia, meanwhile, expects a stern examination against an opponent led by a coach who knows Gicumbi inside out.

"AS Kigali is a quality team with experienced players and a coach who knows Gicumbi very well,” he said. "We respect them, but we are focused on our own performance and maintaining our identity on the pitch.”

Rayon seek response against Gorilla

The evening fixture promises another fascinating contest as Rayon Sports take on Gorilla FC in one of the standout matches of the round.

Rayon will be eager to bounce back strongly after the international break, with head coach Francis Haringingo confident that the pause has helped his side address some of their shortcomings.

"The international break gave us time to correct some mistakes and improve certain aspects of our game,” Haringingo said. "The players have responded well in training and we are looking forward to returning to competition.”

The Burundian tactician believes his side must show greater consistency if they are to keep pace with the league's early frontrunners.

"We need to return to winning ways. We have been preparing well and we must be ready for every game,” he added.

However, Haringingo expects a difficult challenge against a disciplined Gorilla side.

"Gorilla FC is always a tough opponent because they are organized and disciplined. We must remain concentrated for the entire match and take our chances when they come.”

Gorilla FC coach Alain Kirasa is equally optimistic ahead of the clash and believes his team can trouble one of the country's biggest clubs.

"Rayon Sports is one of the biggest clubs in the country, but we are preparing for this game with confidence,” Kirasa said. "Our objective is to compete well and make sure we collect points at home.”

The former national team defender has challenged his players to make the most of the occasion.

"The players understand the importance of this match. We have worked hard during the break and we want to show our supporters a strong performance.”

Weekend fixtures continue

Matchday 4 action will continue over the weekend, with Marine FC hosting Kiyovu Sports and Bugesera FC taking on Etincelles FC among the fixtures scheduled for Saturday.