Build-up Match
APR 1-1 Vital’O

ERIK Paske knows that his defence needs to double up if APR is to successfully defend their league title in the coming campaign.

The Dutch coach’s remarks come after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Burundi’s Vital’O.

It was APR’s final warm up to the new league which kicks off tomorrow.

"I noticed some problems in the defence but we don’t have much time to work on it [before the season starts],” he said.
Paske, who replaced Rene Feller at the end of the 2007/08 season, also conceded that with the new signings, the team still needs more time to work out the right formations.

"It’s going to take us some time to get everyone firing but we shall do it. I’m also hoping that Mbuyu and Kabange report back soon. The Twite brothers have missed APR’s pre-season training.

Meanwhile, new signing Leon Xavier Cedric (leg) and Abbas Rassou (knee) sustained minor injuries during the encounter but Paske hopes that they will be fit for the start of the season.

Abbas, who is enjoying a second stint at the army-side scored APR’s goal through a penalty.  The coming season will test APR’s temperament.

A congested schedule involving the league, Peace Cup, Cecafa Kagame Cup and CAF Champions League awaits the league champions.

In particular, Paske has said that the club is hurting to reach the group stages of Africa’s premier club championship.

Ends