ERIC Rutanga, the Rayon Sports skipper, has insisted that the Blues are still on the right track for a possible League-Peace Cup double this season following their hard fought away win at Bugesera over the weekend. Rayon overcame Bugesera 1-0 at Bugesera Stadium on Sunday, thanks to the lone strike from forward Drissa Dagnogo early in the second-half. With 11 match rounds till the end of the 2019/2020 Rwanda Premier League, Rayon, at 41 points, trail leaders APR by four points. And, Rutanga is optimistic about his side’s chances and willpower in their title defence quest. “It is still too early to be desperate in the title race,” Rutanga said. “We are confident about our chances, but most importantly about our willpower to fight till the very end of the season.” Following their vital win over Bugesera, Rayon have turned focus on Wednesday’s return-leg against Intare in the Peace Cup first round. However, Rayon go into the match with one leg into the second round after thumping second division side Intare 4-0 last week. “I think we are still right in for a double this season. We will not distract ourselves with title talks, but we know we have got what it takes to win both titles. We (players) – and coaches – are just focusing on one match at a time,” left-back Rutanga further added. Asked if he considered APR as favourites for the league title, Rutanga responded: “Of course, at the moment, yes. They are leading by four points. But, again, I am sure they will slip-up somewhere ahead, and we also have a match against them.” For Rayon to retain the league title, they will need to pick up maximum points from their remaining 11 fixtures, including their crunch against APR on May 30, and hope that the latter drop points at least twice. APR beat Rayon 2-0 in the two sides’ first-leg last December.
