IS APR the next Lyon? The Primus League leaders and the French club have glaring similarities.

French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais dominated the French League for seven good years from 2001-2008.
Despite changing managers (Paul Le Guen, Gerald Houllier and Alain Perrin) during that period, it did not stop them from grinding out titles year in, year out.

On the local scene, APR are without doubt the most successful club. The military side has won 24 trophies in 16 years (11 league titles, 9 Peace Cups (formerly referred to as Amahoro Cup) and four Cecafa triumphs).

The champions will head into tomorrow’s Primus league tie against Etincelles knowing that they need one more point to secure a fourth successive league title.

After Wednesday’s 1-0 win over relegation-battling Muhanga, APR moved to 48 points, 12 clear of second placed Kiyovu with just four games to go.
But Ernest Kwizera (the goal scorer) admits that the win was not plain sailing.

"It was a difficult game. Muhanga made life difficult for us but we managed to score mid way through the second half,” he said.

Just like Lyon, APR has had three managers in the last four years (Rene Feller, Erik Paske and Ernie Brandts) but that has not affected their winning streak.

With such success, it is just a matter of time before APR match Lyon and even surpasses them.

While one cannot blame the army side for dominating local football, it spells danger for other clubs while also questioning the competitiveness of the league.
If as expected APR wrap up the title this weekend, focus will turn to the battle for second place.

Kiyovu currently occupy the slot, with a three point lead over Police but the latter clearly put their desperation to finish second on display after hammering Etincelles 7-1 on Wednesday.

The two sides will clash next Saturday in a thrilling encounter were the winner will all but seal second place.

Ends