APR trio ruled out for rest of the season
Monday, May 15, 2023
L-R: APR defenders Claude Niyomugabo, Prince Buregeya and Clement Niyigena will be out for the remainder of the season through injury-File

APR head coach Ben Moussa has confirmed that his Prince Buregeya, Clement Niyigena, and Claude Niyomugabo will be out for the remainder of the season through injury.

The trio was not part of the army side’s team that beat SC Kiyovu 2-1 in Sunday’s Peace Cup semifinal second leg at Kigali Pele Stadium to advance to the final slated for June 3.

"Buregeya, Niyigena, and Niyomugabo will not play anymore this season and we are going to miss their services this season,” Moussa told journalists in a post-match interview.

The three players have been key figures in the team for the past two seasons and their absence means Ben Moussa will do without them during his final two league matches against Rwamagana and Gorilla as well in the Peace Cup final against Rayon Sports on June 3 at Huye Stadium.

Niyigena initially had Malaria before advanced medical tests indicated that he had another disease which the coach did not disclose to the media.

Meanwhile, club vice-captain Buregeya has not played a competitive game since March 11, when APR beat Marines FC in the league. He has since been sidelined after suffering an ankle injury.

Niyomugabo was last in action during APR’s 1-0 league derby defeat to Rayon Sports at Huye Stadium on February 12.

They pair will now rekindle their rivalry during the Peace Cup final whose winner will represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

APR were, on the other hand, handed a major boost as goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe returned to action and started between the posts to help his team beat Kiyovu on Sunday.

Moussa was happy to have the shot stopper back after the club’s medical team found his hand injuryless serious than earlier feared.