APR FC have been urged to draw inspiration from their recent CAF Champions League success against Les Aigles du Congo as they prepare to face Egyptian giants Zamalek in Kigali.
The call came from Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Staff Gen MK Mubarak, who also serves as the club’s Deputy Honorary President, during a visit to the team on Thursday evening, October 15.
Accompanied by Rwanda Reserve Force Chief Maj Gen Alex Kagame, Gen Mubarak met the players as they put the finishing touches to their preparations for Friday’s encounter at Amahoro Stadium.
He assured the team that the club’s leadership and Rwandans across the country were counting on them to deliver another strong performance.
“We believe in you, just as we did before you knocked out Les Aigles du Congo. We expect you to rise to the occasion again. You have our full support, and we trust you to deliver,” he told the players.
Gen Mubarak also encouraged the team to build on the improvements made in previous matches, saying their performance against Zamalek should give Rwandans another reason to celebrate.
“You have worked on your weaknesses in recent matches, and the results are there for everyone to see. Tomorrow, we want you to make Rwandans proud, wherever they are. They are ready to rally behind you, and we will take care of our responsibilities as management after the game,” he said.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame, who was in charge of APR FC when they eliminated Zamalek in 2004, also shared advice with the players ahead of the encounter.
He stressed that teamwork, discipline and communication would be crucial, urging the players to follow the coach’s instructions and support one another throughout the match.
“Victory comes from playing as one team. You need to recognise when a teammate is struggling and step in to help. Communicate, share ideas and work towards the same goal. We are all behind you,” he said.
APR FC will be looking to secure a positive result at home before travelling to Cairo for the return leg. The club faces the challenge of ending a long wait for victory on Arab soil.
The match against Zamalek is scheduled for Friday, October 16, at 6 p.m. at Amahoro Stadium in Remera.
