AS Kigali skipper Latif Bishira insists that this year’s title will be AS Kigali’s to lose as he tips the club to end their top flight league title jinx. The Kigali-sponsored have never won the league title since its inception two decades ago but this year’s Andre Casa Mbungo-inspired club has shown their title credentials after finishing the first round of the league campaign at the top of the table with 30 points. Having lost the title during the 2022/21 league title on goal difference, Bishira says the team has learned a lot from the past mistakes and he and teammates are only focused to finally lift the most coveted silverware in Rwanda. “We are in good shape individually and collectively; the target is to get positive results in every game we have ahead. Every player is focused and determined to get the mission accomplished,” Rubavu-born center defender admitted. Mbungo and his men have resumed training sessions as they prepare to face Marines when the Rwanda Premier League race resumes on January 20. “We have always relied on winning the opening game. It’s a must-win clash if we have to keep earning more points, that is what we will be fighting for,`` Bishira told Weekend Sports in an interview. AS Kigali count no injury worries before the league returns and a win over the Marines would be a major boost for the table leaders. AS Kigali has not won the league title since it was founded in 1999 but has won five cup competitions including three Peace Cups in 2001, as Les Citadins FC, 2005, 2013 and 2019. With no league title in their trophy cabinet, the Citizens are regarded by many pundits as serious title contenders although they face stiff competition from defending champions APR, Rayon Sports and Kiyovu, not forgetting Gasogi United who have had an incredible campaign so far this season. As it stands, the team leads the table with 30 points and are level on points with SC Kiyovu. The pair sit two points ahead of APR, Gasogi United and Rayon Sports.
