Feller gets dreaded vote of confidence

APR’s secretary general, Aime Kayinamura has backed Rene Feller to lead the club out of their sorry predicament of third place on the national football league table, dispelling rumors that the Dutchman is fighting to save his job.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
IN CHARGE FOR NOW: APRu2019s coach Rene Feller has been under fire for his teamu2019s recent poor form

APR’s secretary general, Aime Kayinamura has backed Rene Feller to lead the club out of their sorry predicament of third place on the national football league table, dispelling rumors that the Dutchman is fighting to save his job.

Feller appeared resistant to mounting speculation over his future, joking with players during their 1-1 against Rayon Sport in Gitarama on Sunday.

Speaking to Times Sport Kayinamura was quick to rubbish rumors that have been doing rounds that the veteran tactician will be replaced at the end the first round matches of the national league.

"We shall only evaluate his performance at the end of his contract at the end of April next year. We can’t take that decision of firing him now as it will be a very costly venture for the club.

"We are contented with what he is doing for the club and there is no need to panic and I believe he can lead the club to trophies this season” Kayinamura added.

With a girding season ahead of the record nine-time league champions, several whispers have been vying for heads to roll on APR’s technical team.

Asked about the rumors Kayinamura replied: "No problem. It’s normal in football. The situation for him is not bad because he has experience. He has had big experiences, good moments and bad moments, so this is normal for him.”

Feller guided APR to their eighth national Peace Cup after a spectacular 4-0 success over rivals Atraco three months ago.

Feller is confident that his youth studded side will win more trophies in his career with military side.

Feller, 65 and former Eritrean national team head coach made his debut on APR’s bench in April after signing a year deal to manage the most successful team in Rwanda.  

After winning the 2008 MTN Peace Cup, the military side automatically qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup.

Feller joined APR on a one-year contract, just three months after being appointed national coach of Eritrea.

He took over as coach as the army side was chasing for their tenth title however, he was pinned to the title by former player and coach Jean Marie Ntagwabira when he guided Atraco to its first silverware.  

Feller’s tenure with Eritrea lasted just three months when the Red Sea Boys withdrew from 2010 World Cup qualification. He also previously worked in Kuwait.

APR’s main title archrivals Atraco went four points clear at the top of the league table after the match between their two title rivals APR and Rayon Sports ended in a 1-1 draw.

The draw left APR four points off the pace in third place after the table league leaders Atraco maintained their 100 percent record with a 2-1 win over Electrogaz.

Ends