The national handball league has entered a crucial stage where every point counts for the title hopefuls Gicumbi and defending champions Police, who both registered wins at the weekend.Two defending champions, Police handball club are looking to win the title for the third consecutive season. They thrashed their hosts Groupe Scolaire Rambura 42-20 on Sunday to also remain unbeaten this season.Gicumbi, who lead the table standing with 33 points, three points ahead of their second-placed rivals, Police, beat ES Kigoma in a tight game 25-22 to put themselves firmly in the driving seat in the racefor the 2013 title.The two front-runners faceoff in a decisive match on Sunday in Gicumbi with Police, who still have two games left compared to one for Gicumbi, needing to win to deny their rivals their first league title since 2007. However, a win for Gicumbi would give them a six points lead.Police head coach Anaclet Bagirishya said “We want to retain the title and we are going to do everything possible to attain our target although we well aware of the kind of challenge that Gicumbi pose, they are the only team standing in our way to win a third consecutive league title. Beating them on Sunday is the key to our success.”On Saturday, the 2010 champions APR beat another former champions National University of Rwanda (NUR) 30-20 to consolidate third place.After Sunday’s title decider, Police still have to play the National University of Rwanda on October 13.
