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Gicumbi, 4 July 2025

A special football match took place today between APR FC Founders and Gicumbi FC at Mulindi, the birthplace of APR FC. The match was organised to mark the 32nd anniversary of APR FC foundation. The team was originally established at Mulindi during the ceasefire period in 1993.

The historic football match ended in a 1-1 draw between the APR FC Founders and Gicumbi FC.

The Guest of Honour, Minister of Defence, Hon Juvenal Marizamunda, while addressing the audience, remarked: "Today as we celebrate the 31st Liberation Anniversary of our country, we are not only remembering our country's journey, but also marking 32 years since APR FC was founded. We honour the tremendous legacy of APR FC ."

Hon Marizamunda emphasized that APR FC's significance goes beyond winning trophies, highlighting its vital contribution to the development of sports in Rwanda, particularly football. He noted the club's undeniable role in supporting the National Team, nurturing young talents, and supplying players to other clubs.

The RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, thanked fans, friends of APR Football Club, and representatives from other teams for joining APR FC in celebrating the 32nd anniversary of APR FC.

Gen Mubarakh also shared the background of APR FC, highlighting its foundation and purpose.

He revealed that APR FC foundation was an idea from the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, HE Paul Kagame.

He explained that the club was established to promote sports and recreation within the ranks of RPA, serving as one of the pillars in building a strong and resilient military during the struggle for the country’s liberation. They later played against various other teams, including the Youth Team of the PSD party, which came from Kigali to play matches at Mulindi.

Gen. Mubarakh went on to highlight some of APR FC’s major achievements, noting that the team has secured 23 trophies over its 30-year participation in the top-tier national league. The team has also won 13 Peace Cups, four Super Cups and three CECAFA Cups.

During the event, the Fans and the management of APR FC, in collaboration with Gicumbi District, donated six cows to veterans who were wounded during the struggle to liberate the country.

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