Striker Lague Byiringiro has sent an emotional farewell to APR supporters as his move to Swedish third tier club Sandvikens IF brings his six-year stay at the club to an end.
Byiringiro played his last game for APR in Sunday’s derby against Rayon Sports held at Huye Stadium. It was however, not the way he wished to end his time at the military side which fell to a 1-0 shock defeat against their arch rivals.
After the match, the striker paid an emotional tribute to his club which he said he will remain their ‘number one fan forever’ and that it will remain in his heart.
"I was so happy when I joined APR but my time has come to an end. I had a fantastic time and I will never forget the massive support I received from everyone at this club. I hope to return to APR one day,” emotional Byiringiro said.
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The Rwanda international played his last game with APR on Sunday as his side lost 1-0 against his bitter rivals Rayon Sports at Huye Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Byiringiro, 22, has been a key figure in APR’s recent fortunes, having helped the club to win four league titles. He was part of the team that set a historical record of going 50 league matches unbeaten between July 2019 and February 2021.
"I had a great time, an unbelievable time and since my first day, I have really enjoyed the training and playing for APR, especially in front of these amazing supporters. It was the right club at the right time and the right club to achieve everything," he said.
A product of APR academy, Byiringiro explained that his decision to leave the White and Black side to Sandviken IF was intended to improve his own game and grow his professional football career ahead of his new challenge in Sweden.
"Playing in Europe is a dream come true for many players and it’s a big achievement for me. Every player wants to go professional. I also believe it kind of inspires younger players back home to work hard,” he explained.
The striker, who was promoted to APR’s first team in January 2018, previously attended trials with Swiss side FC Zürich in April 2021 after the club showed interest in his services.
The club was ready to meet the military side’s staggering €130,000 price tag to secure his signing but the deal fell through after he failed to pass the pro trials after two weeks of training with the club.
Current head coach Ben Moussa is one of the coaches who have seen Byiringiro’s consistent rise to becoming a player ready to flourish at big stages.
Moussa heaped praise on the striker for his contribution to the club’s recent fortunes including winning four league titles but, most importantly being part of the team that set a historical record of going 50 league matches unbeaten between July 2019 and February 2021.
"Byiringiro did his best to help the club during his time and we are happy for him. He is one of the best players we have had, we wish all the best,” Moussa said.
"He has raised his level of football and I believe he will do better and improve more than he was in APR and that’s what we need from him” he added
At 20, Byiringiro was first called up to the senior national team that played Ivory Coast during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March 2019.
He made his senior international debut on 26 January 2021, as a substitute to the injured Bertrand Iradukunda, during Rwanda’s 3–2 group stage victory over Togo in the 2020 African Nations Championship.