Brandts to ring changes

Friday Club Africain  vs  APR 6pm APR coach Ernie Brandts is set to alter his squad in Friday’s crucial Orange Champions League tie against Tunisian champions Club Africain.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011
APR coach Ernie Brandts is confident ahead

Friday

Club Africain  vs  APR 6pm

APR coach Ernie Brandts is set to alter his squad in Friday’s crucial Orange Champions League tie against Tunisian champions Club Africain.

Before the team’s departure last evening, the Dutchman, who is having his first coaching test in Africa’s premier club competition, confirmed that he would field a slightly different side from the one that was held to a 2-all draw in the first leg two weeks ago.

"We have some key players back from injury so you will see some changes from the team that played the first leg,” the 55-year-old said.

"This is a crucial match and we are going to do everything in our means to make sure we win.” One player certain to make his way back into the starting eleven is Abbas Rassou, who has fully recovered from a hamstring injury.

The Primus league champions are looking to repeat last year’s feat when they defeated Angolan side Recreativo de Libolo 1-0 in Luanda after drawing 2-2 in Kigali.

Despite unmatched success on the local and regional scene, APR has been criticized for failing to transform that form onto the continental stage.

The team’s best effort in the competition dates back in 2004 when they reached the third round under the stewardship of Jean Marie Ntagwabira, now coach of Primus League side SC Kiyovu.

APR Squad:

Jean Claude Ndoli, Tchimanga Mutamba, Donatien Tuyizere, Albert Ngabo, Bebeto Lwamba, Elvis Kafoteka, Johnson Bagoore , Mbuyu Twite(C), Kabange Twite, Haruna Niyonzima, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza , Jean Claude Iranzi, Joseph Bwalya, Victor Nyirenda, Abbas Rassou, Heriman Ngoma, Jean Luc Ndayishimiye and Ismael Nshutiyamagara.

Ends