APR to host KCCA in pre-season friendly

APR FC will play a warm-up match against Kampala City Council Authority football club (KCCA) of Uganda tomorrow at Kigali Stadium. The game is part of Coach Jimmy Mulisa’s bid to sharpen the fitness levels of his players ahead of the start of the AZAM Rwanda Premier League on September 29. The previous league season was the worst for the military side in 23 years after finishing in 3rdplace, 16 points behind bitter rivals Rayon Sports. The club is keen to reclaim the lost glory in the new campaign. Mulisa told Times Sport that he will field two different lineups during the game to give playing time to all players and added that although they have been quiet in the transfer market, they still have a squad to reclaim the league title. “KCCA is a good team, which will help us gauge our readiness for the new season. We have a good squad that has a good blend of youth and experience, which I’m sure is good to compete for trophies next season,” the former Amavubi striker said. APR have also been handed a huge boost by the news that midfielder Andrew Buteera and striker Blaise Itangishaka are fit and will be in contention to play tomorrow. The duo trained with the rest of the squad last week and there was no recurrence to their injuries, but are still without new signing Ernest Sugira, who suffered a horrific injury during training with the national team recently. The 2017 Peace Cup champions have promoted youngsters Marc Goven Nshimiyimana, Christian Ishimwe, Shafi Songayingabo, Innocent Kope Bakundaukize, Fiston Ishimwe, Saleh Nyirinkindi, and Protais Sindambiwe to the senior team. Contract issues As APR bid to kick start their league campaign, Coach Jimmy Mulisa’s contract runs out in 2 months and it is not clear whether it will be renewed. In an interview with Times Sports, the former APR striker said he would like to stay on as coach but is not sure whether the club will retain him. Mulisa joined APR last season on a one year deal. Our repeated calls to the club’s Secretary General Adophe Kalisa went unanswered. editorial@newtimes.co.rw