Brig. Gen. Alex Kagame has rubbished media reports that Andy Mfutila was sacked, insisting that instead; it was the coach’s desire to leave.

In an exclusive telephone interview with Times Sport just a day after the news of Mfutila being sacked, the APR chairman disclosed what exactly what led to both parties parting company.

"Let me put this clear, contrary to media reports, APR did not sack Mfutila. We simply did not renew his contract when it expired.

"So much is being said on radio but what I can assure you is that, all that is nonsense because there is no truth whatsoever in what those guys on radio stations are saying,” Kagame stated. But before going into much detail, the APR chairman revealed what exactly was the main reason for not giving Mfutila a new contract.

"The issue of Mfutila leaving APR is just being put out of proportion by the media guys who simply have no clue as to why we did not give the coach a new contract.
"Mfutila signed a one-year contract when he took over but as soon as he ended, he (secretly) signed another contract with Lupopo.

"After we learnt about that, we told him we were not giving him another contract because there was no way he was going to be contracted to two clubs at the same time,” Kagame dropped the bombshell.

Despite all that, Kagame says, Mfutila leaves the club in good shape and as a reward for what he did (for the club); they’ve promised him a good recommendation.

"He’s a good coach and that can be justified by all the cups that he won for APR. For that, we plan to give him a good send-off, which will include providing him with an air ticket back to his country and some money.

About Mfutila’s replacement, Kagame said, "Again, those guys on radio stations have come up with all sort of names but I can tell you, none of the men they’re talking about is on our mind”.

Several names including those of Anttoine Rutsindura, Jean Marie Ntagwabira and Baptist Kayiranga are being talked about possible replacement for Mfutila.

"At the moment, we’ve yet come up with anyone in particular to take over but in the meantime Katotola is in charge,” asked for how long, he said, "Until when we get a proper coach”.

"We need to sit down as administrators to decide who should be the next APR coach,” he confirmed before noting that, "However, there’ll be no rush decisions”.

About the possible effect(s) the changes could have on the players and their performance, he said, "I’ve just talked to the players and told them to simply be professional and concentrate of their job and not allow the bad air surrounding the coach’s leaving affect them”.

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