Spier resigns as APR coach

TEN DAYS after he was handed a five-match ban, Germany-born coach Andreas Spier has resigned from his coaching role at APR FC. The former Intare FC coach broke news of his resignation through a short text message to the media on Tuesday, a day before APR club officials formerly acknowledged receipt of his resignation letter. “I’m thankful for spending seven years in Rwandan football, living almost a good time. Wish APR all the best,” Spier’s text reads in part. In an interview with Times Sport last night, APR spokesperson George Gatete confirmed the development. “The management of APR received Spier’s resignation letter this afternoon [Wednesday] and after making a thorough examination, APR club has accepted his request,” Gatete said. The resignation comes on the heels of Spier’s suspension after ‘unbecoming conduct’ during the military side’s goalless draw against AS Kigali on February 3 at Stade de Kigali. The German coach was sent to the stands by referee Hudu Munyemana for arguing and over complaining to the fourth official, François Xavier Ngarambe. Spier, who has a history of harassing match referees over contentious decisions, challenged a couple of decisions that went against his team and was persistently told to calm down by the referee and fourth official but he was not taking any of that forcing Munyemana to send him off. Out of frustration, Spier angrily walked off the pitch before slamming his jacket on the ground in-front of the VIP section where APR’s top officials including club chairman Maj. Gen. Jack Musemakweli, Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame and Lt Gen Fred Ibingira were seated. His antics drew boos from the crowd and this didn’t go down well with his boss. The army side is well known for strictness on discipline- it was inevitable the club would crack a whip on the Coach. Spier, who renewed his contract with APR at the start of the season, was slapped a one-match ban from Rwanda Football Federation on top of the five-match ban from his club. In his first match in the stands, APR under coach Vincent Mashami snatched a 1-0 win over Police last Saturday. At the stadium, he was seen with a letter which he tried to give to club Secretary General Adolphe Kalisa. But Kalisa refused it, telling him to bring the letter to the club’s office in Kimihurura, a feat which didn’t go down well with Spier who walked away in frustration. The temperamental Romania-born German arrived in Rwanda in 2007 and the following year, he was put in charge of the women national team before being appointed the head coach of APR football academy which later changed its name to Intare FC and featured in the second division league. He took over APR reigns on March 16, 2013 following the club’s elimination from Caf Champions League under coach Eric Nshimiyimana. Spier took the club in the remaining matches of the League, Peace cup and even represented Rwanda in the Cecafa/Kagame Cup but it was a trophy-less season for APR. APR, who are gunning for a record extending 14th league title, lead the standings with 40 points, three ahead of arch rivals Rayon Sports.