APR FC appoint Tunisian Khanfir as new coach

Thursday APR FC 2-1 Amagaju FC Reigning league champions APR have signed Tunisian Nizar Khanfir to replace Emmanuel Rubona as their new head coach on a short term deal until the end of the season, according to the club secretary general, Adolphe Kalisa. Nizar Khanfir “We have signed him for six months initially. The idea is to see how he performs in the remaining league matches, CAF Champions League and Kagame Cup. After he will be assessed to see if we can give him a longer contract,” Kalisa told Saturday Sport yesterday. Kalisa confirmed that the Tunisian will be assisted by Rubona, who was initially in charge of the APR academy before replacing Serbian Dusan Suljagic as interim coach last September. Khanfir, who was in charge of the Tunisia U-23 side that competed at last year’s CAF U-23 Championships in Senegal, brings a great wealth of experience to the army side. He is expected in the country on Sunday to sign the contract and start work immediately. Meanwhile, APR edged Amagaju 2-1 on Thursday to move to third place in the national league table standing to put pressure on leaders Mukura Victory Sports, the table leaders with 32 points after fifteen rounds. APR have 27 points from 12 matches. Midfielder Tumaine Ntamuhanga and Fiston Nkizingabo netted the two goals to hand Rubona’s side a deserved win while Amagaju’s goal scored by Dieudonne Munezero remain in 10th position with 17 points. If APR wins the remaining three first round games against Musanze, Marines FC and AS Kigali, they will go top of the table for the first time this season, with 36 points. editorial@newtimes.co.rw