APR’s Itangishaka returns to action after 12 months out

Match-Day 9 Dec. 8 Amagaju Vs APR FC 3:30pm Marines Vs Bugesera AS Kigali Vs SC Kiyovu Musanze Vs Miroplast Etincelles Vs Rayon Sports Sunrise FC Vs Kirehe FC Espoir Vs Police FC Mukura Vs Gicumbi APR FC forward Blaise Itangishaka has returned to action after being out for up to 12 months due to injury. The Aspire Academy product was a 77th minute substitute in the 1-1 Azam Rwanda Premier League draw against Mukura Victory Sports on Sunday at Amahoro National Stadium. The cameo appearance for the former U-17 striker was his first taste of competitive action in nearly a year. Itangishaka was a key player for U-17 team in the past two years. He, however, suffered a nasty knee injury, which restricted him to playing for almost the whole season. But after going through the pain and the frustration of not playing for the whole year, the former Marines FC forward has regained full fitness and is ready to kick-start his APR career, according to head coach Jimmy Mulisa. “He has been struggling with his knee but now he is fine and has been training well lately. We’re hopeful he could play a part at the top level again,” Mulisa said. Itangishaka damaged his knee ligaments following a clumsy challenge by Musanze FC defender Omar Rwabugiri during a league match on November 5, 2016 at Ubworoherane Stadium. Itangishaka played for Aspire Academy of Senegal since 2011 and returned to Marines in 2015 before joining APR at the start of last year. He has featured for the Rwanda U17 and U20 teams. Meanwhile, Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has postponed league match-day 9 fixtures. In a statement, FERWAFA said the clubs that have less than three players in the national team, which will be participating in the CECAFA Challenge Cup from December 3-17, will take part in the scheduled matches on December 8. AS Kigali top the league standings with 16 points, one ahead of SC Kiyovu and APR FC, who are second and third respectively. editorial@newtimes.co.rw