APR striker Lague Byiringiro has described his move to Sandvikens IF as a ‘dream come true’ as he prepares to open a new chapter with the club as a professional footballer. The Rwanda international last week signed for the Swedish third tier side on a four-year deal for a fee believed to be around €100,000. I am really happy to become a professional footballer and to join such a prestigious team is such a blessing to me. It is a pleasure for me to play in Europe; I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” he told Times Sport in an interview. “Playing in Europe is a dream come true for many players and it’s a big achievement for me. Every player wants to go professional. I also believe it kind of inspires younger players back home to work hard,” he added. Byiringiro, 22, has been a key figure in APR’s recent fortunes, having helped the club win four league titles. He was part of the team that set a historical record of going 50 league matches unbeaten between July 2019 and February 2021. He said that he already has fond memories with the club that raised him from the academy to becoming a professional player, a journey he admits that the military side takes full credit for. “I am grateful to APR, they will always be in my heart and I hope they will continue to move from strength to strength,” he said. Byiringiro, who will be lining up with midfielder Yannick Mukunzi at the Swedish, admits it will cost him a lot of effort to convince his new coach but remains confident that he is ready to face every challenge that will come his way. I am capable of doing better at a professional level and it is something that I pursue vigorously. However, I am not getting ahead of myself because I know it is difficult but I am ready for the challenge ahead, he said. “I left everything behind for a professional move and I will work hard to be the best that I can be. It might be difficult in the first few days but I know I will deliver,” he added. At 20, Byiringiro was first called up to the senior national team that played Ivory Coast during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March 2019. He made his senior international debut on 26 January 2021, as a substitute to then injured Bertrand Iradukunda, during Rwanda’s 3–2 group stage victory over Togo in the 2020 African Nations Championship. The fast-rising forward is expected to fill the shoes of Ghanaian striker Mohammed Naeem Abu who netted 25 league goals for the club last season before he was sold to Premier Division club Halmstad BK.
