October 20 Mukura Vs Sunrise After ending Mukura’s 28-year trophy drought with Peace Cup title in August, head coach Francis Haringingo has warned heavyweights APR and Rayon Sports that his side is ready and determined to challenge for the upcoming 2018/2019 league title. Despite his side losing 2-0 to APR in the Super Cup clash last Saturday, the Burundian tactician believes next season is a launch pad for his team to start having a serious go at the league title this year. The yellow and black outfit will begin their quest for what would be their first league title on October 20 when they host Sunrise FC at Huye Stadium. “We have to aim as high as possible, we can’t settle for poor performances like last season’s when we battled to avoid relegation – we can do better than that. No one should write us off as genuine title challengers next season,” the former Burundi’s Vital’O coach warned. “The Super Cup defeat will not kill our ambitions. As a club, we now need to keep this group of players together and only make one or two more signings for the new campaign,” he added. The opening day of the season will see champions APR host Amagaju at Kigali Stadium. “Winning the Peace Cup has given us the confidence that we can win the league title too. It is going to be challenging but we are ready to give our all for that. Before we launch the campaign, we want to beef up the squad with two signings, probably an attacking midfielder and a right winger and we are good to go,” Haringingo revealed. Peace Cup holders Mukura will take part in the Total CAF Confederation Cup while 17-time champions APR will represent Rwanda at next year’s Total CAF Champions League. “Our ultimate goal is to become regulars in continental football and the only way to do that is to keep winning either the league or Peace Cup titles. We are also aware that it will be tough against the likes of Rayon, APR, AS Kigali and Police, but, we are ready for the fight,” he noted. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
