SC Kiyovu Sports activities may have the possibility to finish a four-year await main silverware after they face Police FC within the last of the FERWAFA Tremendous Cup on Sunday at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Inexperienced Baggies booked their place within the last after overcoming Mukura VS, whereas Police FC secured their spot by defeating Rayon Sports activities on Thursday.
For Kiyovu, nevertheless, the match carries higher significance than merely competing for an additional trophy.
It presents a possibility to start a brand new chapter underneath head coach Mark Harrison and restore a profitable tradition at one in every of Rwanda's most historic golf equipment.
Kiyovu final celebrated a significant title in October 2022 after they defeated rivals Rayon Sports activities 2-1 to win the inaugural Made in Rwanda Cup.
Since then, the Mumena-based facet has endured a troublesome interval marked by inconsistency and close to misses regardless of exhibiting flashes of their potential.
The membership's lengthy await a Rwanda Premier League title continues to weigh closely on supporters.
Kiyovu haven’t gained the league crown since 1993 and got here heartbreakingly shut in the course of the 2022/23 season, after they led the standings for a lot of the marketing campaign earlier than dropping high spot on the ultimate day to APR FC.
The arrival of English coach Mark Harrison has however renewed optimism amongst followers who imagine the membership can as soon as once more problem for honours.
Talking forward of the Tremendous Cup last, Harrison burdened the significance of constructing a profitable mentality from the beginning of his tenure.
“Each trophy is vital for a membership like Kiyovu. Whenever you be a part of a membership with such a wealthy historical past, you perceive the duty that comes with it. Our goal is to compete and win trophies, and the Tremendous Cup offers us the primary alternative to try this.”
The previous Gor Mahia and Highlanders coach believes his gamers' want to deliver success again to Mumena might make the distinction in opposition to a Police facet that has lately gained some trophies.
“Police have gained trophies lately they usually deserve respect for that. However what I see in my gamers is a bunch that’s determined to attain one thing particular for this membership and its supporters. That starvation generally is a highly effective motivation.”
Police FC arrive within the last with confidence after profitable the 2026 Heroes Cup and including to a group that features Peace Cup triumphs.
Kiyovu, in contrast, are pushed by the need to finish years of frustration and provides their supporters a cause to have a good time as soon as once more.
“The followers have suffered disappointments through the years, however their ardour for Kiyovu has by no means disappeared,” Harrison mentioned. “We need to reward that loyalty, and one of the best ways to try this is by competing for trophies and making the supporters proud once more.”
Victory on Sunday wouldn’t solely ship Kiyovu's first trophy since 2022, but additionally present the proper begin to Harrison's reign and a powerful assertion of intent forward of the brand new season.
