APR head coach Thierry Froger has issued a frank verdict that his current squad is not up to the task of competing at such high-level competitions of CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup caliber.
Froger’s frank admission came after his side was held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man AS Kigali in in the Primus National League held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday April 15.
APR were 2-1 ahead of AS Kigali until Janvier Benedata’s 92nd stoppage time equalizer put their title celebrations on hold.
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The draw extended the army side’s winless streak against AS Kigali to nine matches having last beaten the Citizens in December 2018.
It is just a matter of time for APR FC to be crowned champions of Rwanda for the fifth time in a row and they are guaranteed of playing the Champions League next season.
However, with a sobering candor, Froger acknowledged APR's limitations in their CAF Champions League aspirations are down to ‘below par’ quality players in his squad.
"I must be honest, our current squad is not good enough to achieve our objectives in African competitions, as evidenced by our recent performance," Froger told the press in a post-match interview.
Froger said he takes responsibility of his team's lackluster performance against AS Kigali, saying, "we failed to impose our game on the opposition, and they made it tough for us.”
"Certain players performed well, others fell short, but I don't want to blame anyone, as football is a team sport," he added.
The coach's forthrightness suggests a recognition of the substantial work required to elevate the team to continental standards.
With the title within reach, a draw with Kiyovu SC on Saturday, April 20, will be enough for Froger’s side to lift the title.