Defending champions in National handball League, APR are optimistic to retain the league title when the league starts on February 17.

Last season, APR won the title after a crucial win against rivals Police 37-28 last year. However, APR handball head coach, Anaclet Bagirishya said they are targeting to reclaim the title in 2018.

"The target is to retain the national league; we can’t aim lower than that. It is going to be a very tough call with every opponent looking to beat us, but we are ready and determined to face anyone.” Bagirishya said

"We have lost Heroes cup but now we are already to fight in league, starting with the first game against Nyakabanda on Sunday next week,” he added

As part of preparations for the league, APR signed Elyse Muhumure from Inyemeramihigo, André Akayesu from Ecole Secondaire Urumuri and three players from Kigoma, Yves Umuhire, Jean Claude Hakizimana and Jean Pierre Munyaneza.

APR won last year’s league title for the first time in eight years and went on to participate in the African Handball Champions League tournament in Hammamet, Tunisia where they finished bottom without winning a single game.

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