Rayon Sports coach Ivan Minneart is targeting a winning start against Gor Mahia in the CAF Confederation Cup group D at Stade Nyamirambo, Kigali, Rwanda Sunday.
“Our main target is to win the game and start the case for a spot in the quarters,” the Belgian said – adding that they will not be intimidated by their opponents.
“We are playing Gor Mahia, a big team with good players but that won’t intimidate us. We are focused on our game plan.”
The visitors from Kenya arrived Saturday in time to have a feel of the match venue as allowed by the competition’s rules.
The two sides have never met before, however, K’Ogalo, as the 16-times Kenyan Premier Champions are nicknamed, have played two Rwandan sides before at the continental level.
In 1988, the coach Dylan Kerr’s side beat Mukura Victory home and away and in 2009 they were walloped by Rayon’s arch rivals APR in the CAF Champions League.
While at AFC Leopards in 2016, Ivan beat Gor 1-0 in the famous “Mashemeji Derby” – ending their unbeaten run that stretched over 40 matches.
Gor’s skipper Harun Shakava is braced for a tough game against the Nyanza based side, but offers that they are all pumped up for it.
“We expect today’s game to be tough because we are playing away against a good team but we are ready for the challenge. The boys are psyched up for the crunch tie and we will offer our best to get good results,” Shakava said.
Gor are expected to line-up two Rwandan internationals in the game. Ugandan-born striker Meddie Kagere, who was recently naturalized will most certainly partner Amavubi striker Jacques Tuyisenge in attack.
Kagere is a former Rayon’s talisman and understands the team well.
On Rayon’s side, Gor will have to be weary of the striking prowess of winger Hussein Shabana aka Shabalala and Burundi international Pierrot Kwizera.
In the other group D match of the day, Tanzania’s Yanga SC travel to Algeria to face USM Alger.
