Saturday

APR v Recreativo

APR is sweating on the fitness of Kalisa Mao and Didier Kapet ahead of tomorrow’s Orange Champions League first round clash with Angola’s Recreativo Desportivo do Libolo.
Mao is still nursing a thumb injury while Kapet, who is back from suspension, is struggling to gain fitness.

With Mbuyu Twite sidelined until May after fracturing his ankle, APR assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana concedes that there is a big void in defence.

"We are short of numbers in defence. Some players are injured while others are struggling for match fitness.”
"In this case, we have to make the most of our midfield and frontline were we are comfortable.”

APR head coach Erik Paske has meanwhile urged his players to rise to the occasion on Saturday.

"In such competitions, we have to make the most of home games. We have to get the result we need on Saturday and then force a result away from home (Angola),” the Dutchman emphasized.

"We owe it to the fans because they have been so supportive.”

On paper, APR players are expected to give their all after reports that the club chairman Brig. Gen. Alex Kagame has promised the team cash bonuses should they win tomorrow.

"We usually have bonuses for such games and it has not changed. So the team should play knowing that there is something in store should they win.” 

Recreativo is expected to touch down at Kigali International Airport later today.

The return leg in Luanda is slated for February 27 after which, the winner goes on to play reigning champions TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the next round.

Ends