Rwanda National Police

Police Handball Club retained the Heroes Cup after overcoming APR 40-35 in the finals played at Murindi in Gicumbi District, on Sunday.

The two-day tournament, which started on January 1, brought together all the 16 teams in the national championship, placed in four groups.

Police, which won the trophy for the eighth record time, was placed in group A alongside ADEGI, UR-Remera and UR-Rusizi.

They came out on top of Group A  and went on to easily eliminate ES Kigoma in the semi-finals to set the final encounter with APR, who also saw off the home side Gicumbi HC.

It looked like Police's cup to lose as they held on the lead in both periods of the game.

Police, who also beat APR to the cup last year, led the first half with 22-17 and added 18 other goals in the second period to complete the mission.

Viateur Rwamanywa and Felix Mukunzi scored the match high 12 goals each while Tuyishime zacharie was on the scoresheet six times as they guided the defending champions to their first silverware of the 2020 season campaign.

Police HC coach, Inspector of Police (IP) Antoine Ntabanganyimana hailed the "focus and determination" of his players throughout the tournament.

"We dedicate this cup to our national Heroes, and our Rwanda National Police leadership for all the support towards our success," IP Ntabanganyimana said.

He added: "This trophy is important because it has boosted our morale as we start the new season on a high note."

Police captain, CPL Duteteriwacu Norbert, also thanked his colleagues for the teamwork and winning spirit.

"This is an impressive start for the new season and we hope to maintain this performance to make this another record breaking season," said Duteteriwacu.