PEACE CUP holders, due to Mukura victory Sports, have started preparations for the upcoming 2018/2019 Azam Rwanda Premier League start next month.
The Huye-based side are also readying for their CAF Confederation Cup debut next year.
Mukura beat Rayon Sports in the Peace Cup final last month to clinch their first major title in 26 years.
After five weeks of holidays, Francis Haringingo’s black-and-yellow outfit held their first training session at Huye Stadium on Monday.
"We need to be at a good level before the start of the new season. We want to carry it from where we left off last season as we plot to challenge for titles. We also have new players on trials with us, probably in a week’s time we will sign some and let go of others,” Mukura head coach Francis Haringingo told Times Sport on Tuesday.
Six linked with move to Mukura
Meanwhile, it is reported that six players – five from league rivals and one Burundian – are on the verge of signing for the Huye District-sponsored side.
The players in question include APR forward Onesme Twizerimana and AS Kigali full-back Janvier Mutijima.
Others include; defender Vivien Niyonkuru from Kirehe, right back Yamin Salom from Marines, Yussuf Rule Munyakazi from Musanze, and Burundi’s Lydia Lydic midfielder Iddi Saidi Djuma.
When asked about the alleged signings, Mukura’s Burundian tactician refused to neither confirm nor deny any ongoing talks with any of the players.
"If we are to do well in continental football, we need to build a strong team – which will definitely require us to sign players of quality. But at the moment, I cannot disclose our prospects until they have officially signed joined us. That’s how this trade is done,” Haringingo stressed.
"Players are responding well to training after a few weeks out of action. Top priority for the new season is to challenge for the league title and doing well in Caf Confederation Cup. Winning the Peace Cup title was only the beginning of a new era,” the former Vital’O coach added.
Peace Cup glory
Mukura had difficult journey to the Peace Cup final and that instilled confidence in their players that they could overcome anyone.
The black–and–yellow outfit edged out AS Kigali in the round of last sixteen and neighbours Amagaju in the quarter-finals before stunning then holders APR in the last four.
End of 26-year trophy drought
Before stunning the Blues to the Peace Cup title, Mukura had previously lost three Peace Cup finals in a space of only 10 years.
Mukura, along with APR, will represent Rwanda in Caf competitions next year. The latter will compete in the Total CAF Champions League.
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