AS Kigali coach eyes maiden league title

AS Kigali Football Club head Coach Eric Nshimiyimana has said that his side will go into the upcoming season looking to fight for the league title. The season starts on September 20. The former Amavubi Stars technician, who signed two-years at the City of Kigali-sponsored club in July, said his team will be keen to win their first ever league title. But he admits it will be tough against the likes of defending champions APR as well as other genuine contenders like Rayon Sports and Police FC. Last season, AS Kigali, under coach Andre Cassa Mbungo, finished in third position with 48 points, 16 points behind APR and a further 14 adrift of second-place Rayon Sports. However, Nshimiyimana believes his team has gained the experience to put up a more spirited fight despite losing key players including; defender James Tubane to Rayon as well as left-back defender Mwemere Ngirinshuti, goalie Emery Mvuyekure and striker Jimmy Mbaraga, who followed Mbungo to Police. Nshimiyimana said: “This team (AS Kigali) has matured enough to challenge for the league title, it has shown potential to be a top side in the last two seasons.” “I am here to build on that success and even bring more (success) in the coming season. The club has already tasted success by winning the Peace Cup (2013) and our next target is to win the league, which I believe is possible,” he stated. AS Kigali represented the country in this year’s Caf Confederation Cup and reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Moroccan side Difaâ El Jadida 3-1 on aggregate.