APR FC were held to a surprise goalless draw by Gasogi United on matchday 13 of the Primus National League Monday evening. The result left the defending champions at the top of the table with 27 points, nonetheless. In the same breath, the draw gave their rivals a glimmer of hope, whether false or real, in the race for the league title, but at the end of the day, the army side, so more often than not, just seems to have so much in their armoury to fight their way to the league victory, always. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Underfire Froger booed as Gasogi United hold APR FC Rayon Sports will always be in the picture, and they are APR's main threat, unfortunately, just a threat is what they have been so frustratingly frequently for their liking. APR have been so dominant, having been crowned league champions 21 times in 28 seasons, including the last four on the trot. Such has been the club's dominance. Their rivals can't seem to have anything to do about it. Rival fans will definitely have, on their minds, other reasons, perceived or otherwise, as to why their teams are so ridiculously dominated, but from a neutral standpoint, APR's domination of Rwandan football is a testament to their formidable combination of financial backing, rich pedigree and consistent success on the pitch. However, it's very unfortunate that APR's dominance on the local scene doesn't transcend Rwandan boarders. This has been the club's biggest Achilles heel, and if performances and results don't improve in CAF competitions, then APR stands to be forever remembered, as the old proverb goes, 'the one-eyed man' being the king! History has a way of judging so harshly. Of course, there are a number of factors that contribute to APR's consistent struggles in CAF competitions but for me, the main one is the limited exposure to higher-caliber teams in the domestic league--this, believe it or not, hinders their ability to compete at the continental level. On the home front though, the recent surprise goalless draw against Gasogi United might have raised eyebrows, leading to fans booing their coach, Thierry Froger, but it is crucial to delve into the broader context of APR's historical performance, and current strengths to understand why they are likely to maintain their stronghold on the Primus National League. ALSO READ: Froger on APR fans boos: I understand their frustrations Established in 1994, APR FC has been a powerhouse in Rwandan football ever since, winning the league title 21 times since the club made its league debut in 1995. This remarkable record underscores their unparalleled success and consistent dominance over more than two decades. One key factor contributing to their sustained excellence is the financial backing that the club enjoys. With the resources to attract top talent, better training conditions and renumerations, and secure the services of capable coaches, APR stands head and shoulders above all of its domestic rivals. The financial muscle of the club enables them to assemble squad after squad comprising some of the best players in Rwandan football, and very often, beyond. The ability to recruit and retain top talent ensures a consistent level of performance throughout the league season. Furthermore, pedigree plays a pivotal role in the dominance of APR FC. The club's rich history in national football and consistency of success, create a winning culture that spreads throughout. They may have their limits, especially on the continent but back home, their firm grip on proceedings is as tight as anything. Because they are paid well and timely, taken care of rather more professionally by the club, APR players, coaches, and staff are instilled with a sense of pride and responsibility to uphold the legacy of the club. This ingrained winning mentality becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as each individual associated with the club strives for excellence, contributing to the club's overall dominance. You can't say the same for either Rayon Sports or any other club. On the tactical front, APR FC boasts a well-structured and expensively assembled squad, that for a man, their players are a cut above the rest in the league, which is why the draw against Gasogi, though unexpected, is just a minor blip in a season-long journey. APR will overcome such hurdles and maintain their dominance. Rayon Sports, as is with every season, emerges as the main threat to APR's dominance. The rivalry between these two powerhouses adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Rwandan league. However, APR's financial prowess, combined with their historical success, provides them with a psychological edge over their rivals. The ability to navigate high-stakes encounters in a calm and composed manner is a hallmark of champions, and as history shows, APR's pedigree often shines through in crucial moments. I, like anyone with Rwandan football at heart, wish if only that winning culture at APR FC, which makes them so successful, could spread into CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup, a level where, as opposed to their home dominance, they so often flatter to deceive.
