APR FC Chairman, Colonel Richard Karasira, has responded to criticisms regarding club's new signings following their instrumental role in eliminating Azam FC from the CAF Champions League.
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The military side defeated Azam FC 2-0 in the return leg of the preliminary round at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, August 24, to go through to the second round of the competition with a 2-1 aggregate victory and set a second round rendezvous with Pyramids.
It is going to be a rematch of last season in the same round where they Egyptians eliminated APR on a 6-1 aggregate win.
Despite spending big in the ongoing transfer window, APR FC has been vulnerable in terms of results recently, falling short in the CECAFA Kagame Cup and the FERWAFA Super Cup.
The club’s unimpressive performance sparked criticisms from the media and beyond, with some questioning the club’s transfers.
In a post-match press conference, Karasira addressed concerns about the club&039;s reported high spending on player acquisitions which have not made impact in turning results around.
"I don't know where people get the idea that APR FC spends a lot of money. They say this based on what? Every team has its own responsibilities, and for APR, one of our goals is to integrate with the community," he said.
He further explained that the joy and value derived from such victories can't be quantified.
"When you consider the money spent and how it benefits the community, the Ministry of Defense’s role is to unite us with the people. The strategies may vary depending on teams, and ours includes community integration and fulfilling other government objectives, such as promoting football in the country."
The club chairman also pointed out that people may think that the club be spending a lot of money because expenses are made over two or three years, as per the contract durations of players.
"In the many responsibilities of the Ministry of Defense, when they say they've spent a certain amount, there are numerous factors behind it. I don't think we should dwell on this because our military body likes to win," he added.
Karasira looked so excited at fulltime after his team qualified for the second round of the Champions League.
He commended players and coaches for the qualification and optimism for continued success.
"Who can criticize us for building a strong team? We thank God for advancing past the first round, and we're confident that, together with our coach, we'll achieve even more in the next stage," Karasira said.