Rwasamanzi challenges APR to retain title, win Peace Cup

NATIONAL Football League defending Champions APR acting head coach Yves Rwasamanzi has asked his side to build on last week’s 1-0 victory over Amagaju in their first game of the season to prove to everyone they remain the beating team in the country. He challenged the military side to go on and retain the league title and win the Peace Cup. Rayon Sports, who finished second to APR in last season’s league race, are the current holders of the Peace Cup, having beaten APR in the final. APR opened their title campaign by beating Amagaju 1-0 on Sunday at Kigali Regional Stadium, thanks to the lone goal from attacking midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana.In their next match APR will play against Gicumbi. Having guided APR to the AS Kigali Preseason Tournament trophy last month after beating DR Congo’s AS Vital Club 1-0 in the final, Rwasamanzi is confident that his team are capable of sweeping all domestic trophies this season. “This season the league will be a lot more competitive than last season because every team has improved but I think we did enough to prepare for tough opponents,” former SC Kiyovu said. “APR have great ambitious, we want to win titles every season, we want to win the league and the Peace Cup but we have to work hard and keep improving,” he said. Everyone is so determined to perform to his best and bring pride to the club, he told Times Sport. Rwasamanzi insisted, “We have to win a double and we have the capacity to achieve it. I know my players will give everything to get the results, I am happy with the way we started the season, and I am confident we will do much better in the next matches”. The winners of the 2016/17 national league will earn Rwf25 million for winning the title in addition to Rwf3 million for being in the top two, then Rwf2 million for coming in the top four and another Rwf2 million for coming in the top eight. The runners-up will take home Rwf3 million in addition to Rwf2 million for finishing in the top four and Rwf2 million for coming in the top eight. Each team in the top four will get Rwf2m while those in the top eight positions will receive Rwf2 million each. All the 16 teams competing in the topflight football league will also each receive facilitation worth Rwf10 million for the entire season courtesy of league sponsors, Azam Rwanda. APR FC bagged Rwf10 million for winning the league last season. editorial@newtimes.co.rw