LJUBOMIR Petrovic, APR FC head coach, has revealed that the military side have plans to sign three more players as they continue to beef up squad ahead of the 2018/2019 season. The next Azam Rwanda Premier League campaign starts on October 19. The record 17-time champions and newly crowned Super Cup winners, will have a one-week preseason camp in Rubavu District before taking on Amagaju in their league opener at Kigali Stadium on October 19. “I want to sign two central defenders and a striker possibly before the league starts. Right now we only have Herve Rugwiro and Prince Buregeya as centre-backs, and we expect to have a long season where they will absolutely need back-ups,” Petrovic said. It is reported that the black and white outfit have already initiated talks with AS Kigali defenders including skipper Soter Kayumba and Latif Bishira – who are both out of contract with the City of Kigali-funded side. “We have a good team, but the needed signings would make us stronger,” the Serbian tactician noted. Last month, APR signed a trio of midfielders; Evode Ntwali, from AS Kigali, and former Police FC teammates Mirafa Nizeyimana and Mustapha Nsengiyumva. First Super Cup triumph Three-time regional CECAFA Kagame Cup winners, APR edged Mukura 2-0 to lift their first Super Cup title at Umuganda Stadium over the weekend. The encounter ended goalless at half time before the military side snatched two goals through Muhadjiri Hakizimana in the 46th minute and Issa Bigirimana in the 53rd minute. Victory for APR also earned them Rwf5 million. The Ferwafa-Azam Super Cup is a contest that pits league champions and Peace Cup winners. Meanwhile, the opening day of the season will see defending champions APR hosting Amagaju FC at Stade de Kigali on October 19. The remaining seven matches of match-day one will be staged as follows; Mukura VS will be hosting Sunrise in Huye, Etincelles face Rayon Sports, Gicumbi and Espoir face off in Gicumbi district while Kirehe FC will be up against SC Kiyovu. All matches are due on October 20. On October 21, new entrants AS Muhanga will host Police, AS Kigali lock horns with Musanze at Kigali Stadium, while Marines will be hosting Bugesera at Umuganda Stadium. APR FC will represent Rwanda at the 2019 edition of the Total CAF Champions League while Mukura VS will compete in the Total CAF Confederation Cup. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
