Resilience Rugby Football Club will clash with Kigali Sharks in the 2018 national rugby league final at Amahoro stadium – starting at 3pm. The Rusizi-based side set up the final date against Sharks after surprising defending champions Remera Buffaloes and showing that fitness can beat skill and experience. The game ended 24-15 in favour of Resilience in Rusizi. The Sharks, on the other hand, racked up four tries in a total of 26-0 against Kamonyi Puma to make it to the final for the first time since 2011 when they lost to Bufalloes at Utexrwa ground. Speaking to Saturday Sport, Resilience captain Donatien Ufitimfura noted that they are ready to overcome Kigali Sharks in what is expected to be a thrilling end of rugby season. “Our strength lies in our togetherness, we have met Sharks before in the 7’s and beat them twice in 2016 and 2017, however, this is the final time we are meeting in the 15 aside final. The objective is to win our first league title,” he said. However, Resilience will miss the services of centre forward Samuel Nzeyimana, who is nursing an injury. They will be relying on prop Moise Ndimurwango and Fidele Ngamijumurenyi who grabbed a hat-trick in the semis last month. Sharks, on the hand, have said they are confident and well prepared to outrun the Rusizi club. “Our aim is to lift the title much as our opponents want to as well,” Sharks captain Barnabas Ngizwenayo said, adding that “We defeated an experienced team – Buffaloes – this season, which gives us the courage and a chance to lift the title for the first time this year.” “We have experienced players like Emmanuel Dushimimana who are ready to lead their teammates in bid for a historic league title. We were in the final in 2011 but lost to the Buffaloes, we believe it will be a different story on Saturday,” he added. It will be historical meeting for both sides in a final that wraps up this year’s national rugby season. It is yet clear how much the champions will receive in cash prize. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
