APR won’t get carried away, says Mashami

THIRTEEN-TIME league champions APR FC interim head coach Vincent Mashami has said his side’s increased chances of winning the Turbo King Football League will not distract the team.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Coach Vincent Mashami talks with skipper Ismail Nshutiyamagara in a previous game. Experience will be key for APR in the remaining rounds of the league. T. Kisambira

THIRTEEN-TIME league champions APR FC interim head coach Vincent Mashami has said his side’s increased chances of winning the Turbo King Football League will not distract the team.

Mashami’s team went two points clear at the top of the table with a convincing 3-0 win over Amagaju last Sunday as rivals’ Rayon Sports stumbled following their 1-all draw against AS Kigali. 

Barnabe Mubumbui, Sulaiman Kakira and Patrick Sibomana scored for the military side and coach Mashami has called on his young guns to maintain their focus for their next two matches against Espoir and AS Muhanga. 

Speaking to Times Sport, Mashami said, ""We are happy because we got three points, which are very important for us. We worked really hard because playing against Amagaju was very difficult as they were fighting against relegation. 

"We have to keep calm and focus on the next game against Espoir because it is an important game for us. We don’t have to relax; we will have to fight hard until the end,” added Mashami. 

This Saturday, Mashami will welcome back striker Michel Ndahinduka and defender Emery Bayisenge who missed the previous match due to injuries. 

"This is a big boost for club and I hope they will play an important role when we face Espoir away in Rusizi,” noted the former Isonga assistant coach. 

For APR FC to win their 14th league title, they must win their remaining two matches because any slight mistake will give arch rivals Rayon Sports a chance to retain the title if they also manage to dislodge Esperance and Musanze in their last two fixtures. 

Rayon Sports will face Esperance on April 26 at Kigali Regional Stadium before winding up the season against Musanze on May 3 again at Amahoro stadium.