APR forward Hakim Kiwanuka believes his side will defeat bitter rival Rayon Sports in the forthcoming Rwandan derby and will win the Rwanda Premier League as well.

The Ugandan international, who moved from Villa to APR in January, just scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 league victory over Police.

He claims that APR has everything it takes to win the league and that the players are not under any pressure from their fans’ high expectations.

“The coach is always working on our striking line, giving us some technical trainings. We are good to go for the derby, we promise our fans that we are going to win the derby,” Kiwanuka told B&B Kigali.

Kiwanuka had to wait until his ninth game for APR to end his goal drought. He, though, insists that he did not worry for a second because he knew his moment would arrive and snatch it.

“No, I didn’t worry because I knew hard times were there, and I knew I had to score for the team to succeed. I hope to score more goals for the team.”

APR will square off against league leaders Rayon Sports on Sunday, 9 March, at Amahoro Stadium in a matchday 20 eagerly awaited clash.

Whoever wins on Sunday will go to the top of the table since only two points are separating the two rivals, with Rayon Sports sitting on 42 points and APR on 40 points after 19 matches.

Rayon Sports have racked up just one triumph of their past five league games, losing one and drawing three, highlighting their lacklustre performances in this season’s league, which they have led for more than 15 matches.

Kiwanuka is adamant that he will win his first derby with APR and that they will close the gap at the top and claim the league trophy.

“I’m just comfortable and calm. The derby is as usual as these games, so we are going for a win,” he said.

“There is a big possibility to win the title, and we promise our fans that we are going bring it home,” he added.