Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff and Honorary President of APR FC, General Mubarakh Muganga, has challenged APR FC to win the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup and ensure the trophy remains in Rwanda. General Muganga delivered the message on Wednesday during a visit to the club's training base in Shyorongi, where he met players, coaches and club officials ahead of APR FC's opening Group A match against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC. Welcoming the club's new signings, General Muganga introduced them to APR FC's history and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with wearing the

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff and Honorary President of APR FC, General Mubarakh Muganga, has challenged APR FC to win the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup and ensure the trophy remains in Rwanda. General Muganga delivered the message on Wednesday during a visit to the club's training base in Shyorongi, where he met players, coaches and club officials ahead of APR FC's opening Group A match against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC. Welcoming the club's new signings, General Muganga introduced them to APR FC's history and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with wearing the club's jersey. He noted that APR FC was founded in 1993 by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and has grown into one of the most successful clubs in the region. Addressing the players, General Muganga emphasized the significance of the CECAFA Kagame Cup, a tournament sponsored by President Kagame, and urged the team to use home advantage to reclaim the regional title. «"This trophy belongs to our President, and it must remain here," General Muganga told the players. "We have won this competition three times, and all those triumphs came when Rwanda hosted the tournament. You have the responsibility to win it again."» APR FC has lifted the CECAFA Kagame Cup three times in 2004, 2007 and 2010 with each title won on Rwandan soil. The club will be seeking a fourth crown in this year's edition, which is once again being staged in Rwanda. General Muganga also praised APR FC's achievements during the 2025/26 season, in which the club completed a domestic treble by winning the Rwanda Premier League, the Peace Cup, and the Super Cup. «"To the players who were here last season, thank you for delivering three trophies. I encourage you to maintain that winning mentality and do the same in the CECAFA Kagame Cup," he said.» He further assured the squad that their efforts had not gone unnoticed, suggesting that the club's leadership had plans to recognize the team's achievements after the regional tournament. «"Stay focused and don't be discouraged by what happened previously. After the CECAFA Kagame Cup, there are many good things waiting for you, and we will address them at the right time," he added.» Speaking on behalf of the players, Ronald Ssekiganda thanked General Muganga for his continued support and leadership, promising that the team would fight to surpass last season's achievements. APR FC will launch its CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 campaign against Gor Mahia FC on Friday, July 24, at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, with thousands of supporters expected to witness one of the tournament's biggest opening fixtures.

General Mubarakh Muganga addresses APR FC players and technical staff during a visit to the club's training session in Shyorongi ahead of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup.

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