APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb has set his sights on leading the club to the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup title, with the regional tournament scheduled to take place in Kigali from July 24 to August 7. APR came close to lifting the trophy in recent years, finishing runners-up in 2024 before securing third place in the 2025 edition. With the tournament returning to Kigali, Taleb, whose contract has been extended until 2028, believes his side has what it takes to go one step further and win the title for the first time since 2010. ALSO READ: APR FC extend Taleb's contract after impressive debut season The Moroccan tactician said his new deal reflects the ambitions he shares with the club, adding that lifting the CECAFA Kagame Cup would mark an important milestone in the team's long-term project. This extension allows us to work with clarity and confidence, Taleb said. When there is trust between the club and the technical team, you can focus fully on results. Our objective in the CECAFA Kagame Cup is clear—we want to win it. When you extend your contract, you also extend responsibility. The badge demands that you compete for trophies. The Rwandan champions will represent the country alongside rivals Rayon Sports in the 12-team tournament. The other participants are Simba SC and Singida Black Stars (Tanzania), Vipers SC (Uganda), Al Hilal SC and Al Merrikh SC (Sudan), Gor Mahia (Kenya), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus SC (South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), and KVZ FC (Zanzibar). The official draw will be held on Friday, July 10, in the Amahoro Stadium conference room, with the teams to be divided into three groups of four. According to CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi, the winners of each group and the three best runners-up will advance to the semi-finals. APR will head into the tournament among the favourites, a status Taleb says comes naturally with the club's stature and expectations. The players already understand our tactical ideas and expectations, Taleb explained. In a competition like this, that understanding can make the difference. Reflecting on his contract extension, Taleb insisted it should not be viewed as a reward that brings comfort. An extension does not mean relaxation, he said. It means more work and higher standards. While winning the regional title remains the immediate objective, Taleb believes the CECAFA Kagame Cup also provides an important opportunity to measure APR's progress ahead of continental assignments. Regional tournaments test your level, he said. If you perform well here, it gives confidence for bigger competitions.
