After failing to defend the Genocide memorial tournament title last weekend, APR handball club have shifted their focus to winning the national league title. The military side came into this year’s tournament as the defending champions after beating Tanzania’s Ngome 26-22 in the final, but suffered a disappointing exit in the semi-finals at the hands of bitter rivals Police 40-26. Police went on to win the tourney after defeating Uganda’s Evergreen 32-20 in the final. Reflecting on the failure to successfully defend their crown, APR head coach Anaclet Bagirishya disclosed that, “It was such a big disappointment because we were determined to retain the title. But this (failure) gives us extra motivation to work even harder in the race for the league title.” “Our target always is to win something every season, and now that we have stumbled in first two competitions (Heroes’ Day and Genocide memorial tournaments) both won by Police, our only hope is the league and Caree d’As but our priority is the league,” noted Bagirishya. Former champions APR are currently in the second position in the league with 28 points, two behind Police with six games left for the end of the season. He added that, “We have to win all our fixtures to remain in title contention and hope Police falter somewhere, and I am very hopeful we can make it because I do have a good squad.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
