Police win fifth Carre d'As handball tournament

Saturday: FinalPolice 41-36 APR Semi-finalsPolice 35-18 NyakabandaAPR 33-25 ES Kigoma After clinching a record fifth Carre d’As title, Police handball club have shifted focus to the forthcoming 38th edition of the African Handball Champions League that is slated for October 21-30 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Fresh from claiming this year’s title for the third consecutive time, Police again defeated their closest rivals APR 41-36 in the final on Saturday at Kimisagara Youth Center to wrap up their fourth piece of silverware of the season. “We were the better team on Saturday and I believe we deserved to win. We were using the tournament as final preparation before heading to Burkina Faso for the Champions League, so players were determined to win,” said Police assistant coach, Alphonse Udahemuka. This season, the law enforcers have won four titles including; the national league, Heroes’ Day tourney, Genocide Memorial tournament and Carre d’ As. However, Udahemuka disclosed that following their dismal performance in their previous two outings at the continental showpiece, his side will be hoping to make amendments and put a good fight this time round. Police made their maiden African Handball Champions League appearance in 2011 before competing in last year’s edition; however, they’re still looking for a first win. The reigning Eastern and Central African champions have been drawn in Group A along with four-time winners Al Ahly and five-time finalists Esperance Sportive, who have won it once. Other teams in this group are Minuh from Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville’s Calman. The Rwandan team is expected to fly to Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening, according to officials. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

Police win fifth Carre d'As handball tournament