APR HC face PEVIC HC at Ngoma Stadium on Sunday in a test of their title defence as the Rwanda men’s handball league resumes following their participation in the African Club Championship. The defending champions have collected four points from their opening two matches, while PEVIC sit eighth with two points from two games. APR captain Jean-Paul Muhawenayo said the African Club Championship provided valuable experience for the team, particularly by allowing them to test themselves against strong opposition. “We feel good. It was a great competition against strong teams, and we were able to test our level and techniques. It was not a bad experience for us, especially as it was our second participation. We hope to get better results next time,” he said. Muhawenayo acknowledged that PEVIC would offer a tough challenge but insisted APR were focused on retaining their domestic title. “PEVIC are a good team, but this weekend will bring more challenges and give us an opportunity to test what we have been working on in the championship. We need to defend our league title and win it again this season,” he added. PEVIC head coach Niyonteze Ephron said his team respected APR’s experience but remained confident ahead of the encounter. “We know that APR is a strong and experienced team, and we respect what they have achieved both locally and internationally. Their participation in the African Club Championship has given them valuable experience, but we are not allowing that to affect our confidence,” he said. Ephron said PEVIC had been working on their defensive organisation, attacking strategies, teamwork and reducing unnecessary mistakes ahead of the match. He identified APR’s experienced coach and players, technical ability and organised playing style as key strengths but believes his side can compete through discipline and effective finishing. “Our target is to win. We know APR is a difficult opponent, but we are going into this match with confidence and a positive mentality. We will fight for every ball and give everything until the final whistle,” Ephron said.
