APR Handball club are targeting to win this year’s Genocide memorial tournament set for this weekend as the club bids for a repeat of last year’s feat when they won the tournament for the second time.

This year’s edition is set to attract a total of fourteen teams in the men and women categories from Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, according to the organizers; Rwanda Handball Federation (FERWAHAND). 

Last year, APR overcame Ngome handball club of Tanzania 26-22 to win the men’s title, while APPEGA Gahengeri won the women’s title after defeating University of Rwanda’s College of Education 15-2 in the title decider.

"This week we have begun intensive preparations for this year’s edition and our mission is none other than defending the title we won last year and I am optimistic we shall retain it,” said APR head Coach Anaclet Bagirishya in an interview with Times Sport yesterday.

The military side has won the tournament two times; in 2013 and 2015.

"We are aware the competition will be tougher because it has now attracted Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania league champions, however we are a side that can beat any team now,” he added

The teams that have confirmed to compete include Police from Uganda, men and women, Makerere University (Men), Cereals of Kenya and Ngome from Tanzania will also participate in the men’s category.

They will be competing against local teams like Police, APR, Kibogora, Nyakabanda, KIE and Kigoma. In women’s category, Rwanda will be represented by Gorillas Handball Club, Apega, Gs Mwendo, Hanika TSS, while Ceeals will represent Kenya.

The tournament is held in memory of the handball players, coaches and administrators that were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

 editorial@newtimes.co.rw