Gen Kagame tips new-look APR to retain title

DESPITE releasing all their star foreign players in a bid to help develop home talent, APR have all it takes to successfully defend their league title, the club president, Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame has said.Kagame said yesterday, “I have a lot of confidence in the young Rwandan players we have signed. I have no doubt that we will again win the league this season.” “We have a strong young squad, which is made up of players who have proved themselves at different international youth levels. We are bracing for a new season and the aim is to win the league title,” stated the general.He added, “The policy of using Rwandan players and coaches has started off and it will not change. We will always rely on Rwandans in a bid to continue building a better future for our national team, in particular, and the Rwandan football in general.”However, in a separate interview, newly appointed head coach Eric Nshimiyimana cautioned the new signings to respect APR’s jersey and fight for the club’s cause.“They will all have opportunities to play in the national league, Cecafa-Kagame Cup (regional tournament) as well as the CAF Champions League. We know most of the new players are still young, but they have now graduated to another level, and I don’t expect any childish behaviour,” warned the ex-Rwandan international, who will be assisted by former APR defender Didier Bizimana.APR has just completed recruitment of at least ten players ahead of the start of the 2012/13 season. They include six players from Isonga, namely; skipper Emery Bayisenge, François Hakizimana, Michel Rusheshangoga, Eric Nsabimana, strikers Isaac Muganza, Jacques Cyubahiro, Farouk Saifi Ruhinda, Muganza’s twin brother Isaiah Songa from Sec Academy.Others are Hamdan Bariyanga from Etincelles and Tumaine ‘Titi’ Ntamuhanga from archrivals Rayon Sport.Meanwhile, Andrew Buteera’s move to APR has been delayed following higher demands from his Ugandan club Proline FC.Proline FC want $50,000 which the Rwandan league and cup champions are not ready to pay. The junior wasps’ striker has one year remaining on his contract.

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Gen Kagame tips new-look APR to retain title