Police handball club have begun early preparations ahead of 2019 national handball league season, which kicks off on January 26.

The 18-man squad reported to training on Wednesday afternoon and, according to head coach Dismas Turatsinze, the players will only have one day off on January 1.

Police dethroned bitter rivals APR to win last season’s title, one of the four domestic titles they claimed in the 2018 calendar year.

Others include this year’s National Heroes Day tournament, the Genocide Memorial Tournament as well as the season-ending Carre d’As tournament.

"We have started training early so we can be ready in time for the new season. Players are responding well and I am confident they will be in great shape by mid-January,” Turatsinze told Times Sport in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

Without disclosing names, Turatsinze also revealed that the seven-time champions are looking to sign two to three new players to beef the squad for the 2019 season.

Full team in training: 

Gilbert Mutuyimana ,Jean Baptiste Habimana, Norbert Duteteriwacu, Norbert Tuyisenge, Gaston Kanyandekwe, Theophile Niyigaba, Philippe Siboniyo, Euphta Kubahoniyesu, Jean d’Amour Ntamugabumwe, Zacharie Tuyishime and Haruna Bizimana.

Others are; Tyrus Agunda, Blax Nkengurutse, Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, Viateur Rwamanywa, Alexis Nshimiyimana, Jackson Uwimana and  Fidele Hagenimana.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw