October 5 Mukura Vs Espoir Mukura Victory Sports manager Olivier Ovambe is confident his side can challenge for their first league title next season after stunning giants Rayon Sports to win this year’s Agaciro Cup title over the weekend. The Yellow-and-Black outfit will start the 2019/20 Rwanda Premier League campaign against Espoir at Huye Stadium, on October 5. It may be early and one may excuse Ovambe for setting himself the highest of targets, but Mukura are flying high after two wins – within 48 hours – against the country’s biggest clubs in the just concluded Agaciro Development Fund tournament. Ovambe’s men beat APR 3-2 on penalties following a 2-all draw last Friday, en route to clinching the 2019 Agaciro Cup on Sunday after edging Rayon 2-1 at Amahoro Stadium. “I am happy to win my first trophy with Mukura this quick. My players showed a good level of football and fighting spirit that I hope we will keep going into a new season so we can win more trophies.” Goals from Nigeria-born striker Samuel Nwosu Chukwudi and Innocent Ndizeye sealed Mukura the club’s first Agaciro Cup title on their maiden appearance in the tournament, while Ghanaian import Michael Sarpong scored the consolation goal for the Blues. Rayon had claimed the previous two editions of the annual showpiece, which was initiated in 2015 as part of the effort to raise awareness and funds towards Agaciro Development Fund, the country’s sovereign fund. Ovambe, who was in charge of Rayon during this year’s Cecafa Kagame Cup in July, insists that, “It is very possible (to challenge for league title) if you look at how the big teams are; they all are at the same level. That is the challenge we are taking up.” “It is too early to start talking about the title – before the season even starts, but certainly we want to challenge for it. We have what it takes, we will just have to work hard, go game by game and try to be consistent, and see what the future holds.” Mukura finished third last season, only behind champions Rayon and record 17-time champions APR. In the meantime, APR will face Peace Cup winners AS Kigali in the new league season’s opener at Kigali Stadium on Friday, October 4, while Rayon will begin their title defence against newcomers Gasogi United the following day. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
