APR Fc declared their ambitions of conquering domestic football next season yesterday when they won the intense battle to retain their prize assets of Haruna Niyonzima and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza.

The two Rwanda international midfielders had been linked with moves to European clubs but APR moved quickly and agreed terms with the duo and they are expected to sign new contracts as early as next week.

Niyonzima has been linked to German first division side Hertha Berlin and Morocco Premier League champions Difaa El Jadida while French side FC Natntes expressed interest in Mugiraneza.

However, Niyonzima’s move to the Morocco’s capital (Rabat) suffered a setback after APR blocked his scheduled trip at the last minute.

Other notable players who have agreed in principle to sign contract extensions include; goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli, defender Elias Ntaganda and midfielders Djabir Mutarambirwa, Hegman Ngomirakiza and Jean Marie Vianney Rukundo.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, APR president Brig. Gen Alex Kagame said that the club’s major priority was to retain its current squad and that they will only buy three players- a left sided winger, holding midfielder and a striker.

"We have a very good squad and our first priority is to retain the players we have. Our plan is to sign a maximum of three new players in the positions we feel are lacking,” Kagame said.

The record ten-time league champions have already signed defender John Karangwa from Uganda Revenue Authority and reports reaching our desk; indicate that the club is weighing up the option of moving for Atraco keeper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye 

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