APR handball club has started preparations for the forthcoming African Handball Champions League slated for October 19-30 in Hammamet, Tunisia. Speaking to Times Sport, APR Head Coach Anaclet Bagirishya admitted that it will be the first time for his side to compete in African Handball Champions League, but is optimistic the team will do well after adding new faces with experience to boost the team. The Army side’s coach said, “We have started training sessions, but in September we will join the camp to intensify preparations ahead of the competition.” APR signed two players from Police including forward Jean Paul Muhawenayo and goalie Samuel Bananimana . Bagirishya believes that the new players will help to raise the performance level of the team. APR’s qualification to African Handball Champions League came after a crucial win against rivals Police 37-28 at Kimisagara handball pitch in July. APR finished on top of the league table with 53 points to claim their first league title since 2009. Last year, Police competed in the tournament and finished in seventh place out of seven teams which participated. APR will represent Rwanda in this year’s Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) champion’s league. It was APR’s fourth title this season after winning the Rwanda Cup, Heroes’ Day and the league. APR was formed in 2007 and won their first league title in 2009; however since then they had failed to end Police’s dominance that had won the past three consecutive league titles. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
