Signing for APR FC was an easy decision - 'Di Maria'

Midfielder Innocent ‘Di Maria’ Habyarimana, one of APR FC new signings, has stated that joining the 16-time league champions was an easy decision to make and thinks he has made the best choice.

Sunday, July 17, 2016
Innocent Habyarimana was appointed Police FC captain this season but is on his way out to join league champions APR. /Timothy Kisambira

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Midfielder Innocent ‘Di Maria’ Habyarimana, one of APR FC new signings, has stated that joining the 16-time league champions was an easy decision to make and thinks he has made the best choice.

The military side, who will today be crowed champions for 2015/16 season after the last league match against AS Kigali at Kigali Regional Stadium, have already signed six players (three confirmed and three yet to be confirmed) ahead of the next season, which is scheduled to start in September.

Among the new recruits is Police FC trio of goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure, midfielders Amran Nshimiyimana and Habyarimana while the club has reached agreement with sign Marines FC duo of central defender Aimable Nsabimana and striker Blaise Itangishaka. 

AS Muhanga midfielder Freddy Ngabo Mucyo is also on the way to the two-time defending champions—all incoming players have agreed two-year contracts, according to APR secretary general, Adolphe Camalade Kalisa. All six will be out of contract at the end of this season that ends today.

"I can confirm that I have agreed to join APR FC at the end of the season. They have given me what I needed and I believe I made the best choice,” Habyarimana told Sunday Sport.

He added that, "By signing for APR, I think I have made the decision, and I hope to further develop my career and also have the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League.”

In a separate interview, Kalisa confirmed the three new singings from Police FC and also acknowledged that talks have reached the later stages to sign the other three from Marines and AS Muhanga.

"It’s true we have signed them and we believe they will help club to continue going forward. We are looking to strengthen the squad for the next campaign. We want to do well in all competitions, including the CAF Champions League,” he explained.

Kalisa did not give the financial details of the deals, but reliable sources told Sunday Sports that both Habyarimana and Nshimiyimana were given Rwf8m while Mvuyekure got Rwf6m. 

Meanwhile, the situation regarding APR head coach Nizar Khanfir remains unclear as his contract ends at the end of the season.

The Tunisian, who took over in early March, guided APR to the league title and Peace Cup final but lost 1-0 to archrival Rayon Sports.

Going into today’s final round matches, the army side have 67 points, eight ahead of second-placed Rayon Sports, who wind up their season against relegation-threatened Musanze FC.

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