Key moments that defined Kiyovu Sports in the first round of the Rwanda Premier League

Marked by a string of poor performances, administrative disputes, and FIFA sanctions, the club’s loyal fans are grappling with frustration and uncertainty about its future.

Match Performance and Results

Kiyovu Sports began the league on a promising note, defeating AS Kigali 2-1. However, this initial success was quickly overshadowed by a series of defeats. In the 15 matches played, the team managed only three wins, three draws, and suffered nine losses. They secured a mere 12 points, placing them in 15th position, just above bottom-placed Etincelles, who have 11 points but with a game in hand. If Etincelles win or draw their pending match, Kiyovu will end the first round at the bottom of the table.

Here are the results of Kiyovu Sports in the first round

1.     Kiyovu Sports 2-1 AS Kigali

2.     Kiyovu Sports 0-4 Police FC

3.     Kiyovu Sports 0-1 Mukura VS

4.     Kiyovu Sports 0-3 APR FC

5.     Kiyovu Sports 0-2 Amagaju

6.     Kiyovu Sports 2-4 Marines

7.     Kiyovu Sports 1-2 Bugesera

8.     Kiyovu Sports 0-4 Rayon Sports

9.     Kiyovu Sports 3-4 Gasogi United

10. Kiyovu Sports 2-1 Etincelles

11. Kiyovu Sports 0-0 Rutsiro

12. Kiyovu Sports 0-1 Musanze

13. Kiyovu Sports 1-1 Gorilla

14. Kiyovu Sports 3-1 Vision FC

15. Kiyovu Sports 0-0 Muhazi United

Throughout these matches, the team scored 14 goals and conceded 30, leaving them with a goal difference of -16.

The poor on-field performance has been mirrored by significant off-field turmoil. Current club president Nkurunziza David and former president Mvukiyehe Juvenal have been embroiled in a blame game over the team’s struggles.

Juvenal, who led Kiyovu for three years before being replaced, claims the current management abandoned his long-term development plans. He advocated for investing in youth and building a sustainable squad. According to Juvenal, his departure was precipitated by disagreements over this approach and the unwillingness of other executives to follow through.

Juvenal also defended himself against allegations of financial mismanagement. He stated that 99% of the debts he left behind were resolved and accused the current administration of using him as a scapegoat.

Nkurunziza David, on the other hand, accused Juvenal of leaving the club in severe debt and under FIFA sanctions, which have prevented Kiyovu from registering new players. He revealed that the club inherited debts. The FIFA sanctions, coupled with the poor squad management, have left the team vulnerable.

Amid the chaos, Kiyovu parted ways with head coach Bupfubusa Joslin, He was replaced by Lomami Marcel, who has had limited success in turning the team’s fortunes around. While Marcel has managed a few positive results, the club’s position in the league remains precarious.

Kiyovu Sports fans have not been silent during this crisis. During the team’s 3-0 loss to APR FC, supporters displayed banners appealing to President Paul Kagame to intervene and save the club. In another match, following a 1-1 draw against Gorilla FC, fans chanted for the return of Mvukiyehe Juvenal and called for the resignation of Nkurunziza David.

As the first round of the league concludes, Kiyovu Sports faces monumental challenges. The club must address its internal conflicts, resolve financial issues, and rebuild a competitive squad if it hopes to avoid relegation. Despite the grim circumstances, there remains hope that the second half of the season could bring a turnaround.

Will the management and fans rally together to restore Kiyovu Sports to its former glory, Or will the club’s current struggles mark the beginning of an even steeper decline?