APR’s influential defender Mbuyu Twite will be sidelined for four months after fracturing his ankle in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Etincelles.

The army-side’s Dutch coach Erik Paske yesterday confirmed that the defender would miss a host of league games including Sunday’s league tie against Atraco and the preliminary round of the 2010 Africa Champions League.

"It’s a big blow for us because Mbuyu is a key figure not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room,” Paske said.

Since 2007 when he joined the club, Mbuyu has won four trophies at APR.

He was also influential for Amavubi during the 2010 World/Nations’ Cup qualifiers, Cecafa Challenge Cup and CHAN competitions.

Etincelles’s Kevin Beningabo nearly ended Mbuyu’s career on Wednesday after a reckless tackle on the defender. Beningabo was shown a red card and is now set to miss Etincelles’ weekend fixture against AS Kigali.

Both APR and Etincelles jointly stand at the summit of the league table with 19 points but the military side is upfront on goal difference. 

Abbas Rassou and Leon Xavier Cedric were on target for the military side while Jean de Dieu Harorimana scored the consolation for the home side.

Meanwhile, the ten-time league champions APR face another uphill task in their quest to retain the league title when they take on arch-rivals Atraco on Sunday at Nyamirambo stadium.

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