APR unveil Kanyankole as new head coach

APR Football Club new head coach Gilbert Yaoundé Kanyankole has promised to take the team to another level after being officially unveiled during a news conference at the club’s Kimihurura-based offices on Tuesday. Kanyankole penned a one-year contract until the end of the 2016/17 season to become APR’s eighth coach since 2012. He will be assisted by Yves Rwasamanzi, who crossed from SC Kiyovu. “We want to build a side that can continue challenging for silverware in Rwanda, the region and Africa. There is no doubt that football is popular and lucrative in Rwanda. But what is lacking is professionalism,” the 62-year-old said during his unveiling. Kanyankole noted that APR is a big brand that needs professionals to run it, adding that he will work hard to build a strong foundation at the club. “I believe that we will have a better team in the coming seasons,” he added. Kanyankole, a man with immense experience and a great knowledge of the game, will command the respect of the players as the club looks to improve on their record in CAF Champions League. The Former Rayon Sports and SC Kiyovu tactician replaced Tunisian Nizar Khanfir, who left the club after guiding the army side to a record-extending 16th league title. Kanyankole has less than two months of preseason work, to build a winning team from a squad of mostly new signings following the club’s decision to release half the squad from last season. APR’s new signings include; goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure, midfielders Innocent ‘Di Maria’ Habyarimana and Amran Nshimiyimana from Police FC. They have also signed left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Rayon Sports), striker Onesme Twizerimana (AS Kigali), Marines youngsters, defender Aimable Nsabimana and striker Blaise Itangishaka while striker Frederic Mucyo joins from relegated AS Muhanga. The club has also promoted 16-year-old striker Innocent Nshuti from academy to the senior team. The 16-time league champions have also named new staff members and released nine ahead of the start of the 2016/17 season in September. Other new staff includes Ibrahim Mugisha (goalkeeping coach), Claver Kazungu (club spokesperson) and Tony Kabanda (webmaster). editorial@newtimes.co.rw