APR FC assistant coach Thierry Hitimana has confirmed that the team will utilize the next two weeks to fine-tune their preparations for the CAF Champions League preliminary round match against Azam FC.

hotoFollowing a successful campaign in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup, Hitimana emphasized the importance of continued hard work to ensure the team is fully prepared for the crucial encounter.

The Lions missed a chance to lift what would have been their fourth Kagame Cup trophy, following a shock 10-9 penalty shootout loss to Red Arrows of Zambia in the crunch final held at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, July 21. 

They finished the campaign as runners-up with a cash prize of $20,000, but the competition also served as a preparatory outing for the army side ahead of the 2024/25 Primus National League as well as the CAF Champions League, which both kick off in August.

The team’s head coach, Serbian Darko Novic, is gradually instilling self-belief among his players, something that the team has been missing previously, especially when they were playing away from home. 

APR FC are currently in Tanzania undergoing rigorous pre-season preparations. Hitimana believes the recent tournament has been instrumental in boosting the team's readiness for their upcoming match against Azam FC.

The assistant coach expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in the tournament, stating: "The Kagame Cup provided us with the intense competition and physical conditioning we sought for our players. The tournament was a success, and we even managed to garner new fans."

With two weeks left before the Azam FC clash, Hitimana outlined the team's training plan. 

"Azam are currently engaged in high-level friendlies abroad, so we will intensify our fitness and tactical drills to match their level of preparation. We have evaluated ourselves on why we failed to advance to the next stage last year and we now know how to execute our plan in the CAF Champions League," he said.

The Rwandan club is aiming to make a strong impression in Tanzania and secure a positive result against their Tanzanian rivals. 

"We hope to have a decent fan base when we face Azam, even though we expect them to have the majority of supporters. Our overall preseason plan is on track, and we're optimistic about our chances in the CAF Champions League preliminary round," said Hitimana.

Following a dismal campaign last season, marked by a 6-1 defeat to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League, the army side has seen a massive recruitment drive aimed at breaking a psychological barrier that has hindered Rwandan clubs on the African stage.

 For APR, this season represents a critical opportunity to assert themselves and move beyond their historical limitations.

APR have struggled to progress in the CAF Champions League, with the furthest they have gone being in the third round two decades ago under the late (Rtd Cap) Jean Marie Ntagwabira. 

In their previous 18 appearances, the club has exited the preliminary or first or second rounds a staggering 17 times. Such statistics weigh heavily on the players and fans alike, contributing to a mentality that often underestimates their capacity to succeed at higher levels.

APR will play away against Azam FC at Azam Complex on August 16 before playing a reverse fixture at Amahoro National Stadium on August 23.