Rwandan side suspend striker over comments

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Oct 23, 2019. 11:00

Top Rwandan side APR have suspended striker Ernest Sugira after the international was reportedly critical of training methods at the club.

The suspension was announced by head coach Adil Erradi, who said only that it was for disciplinary issues, but comes in the wake of Sugira telling reporters at the weekend that he preferred international football, where he felt he was given the freedom to perform at his best.

“International football and club football are totally different, and every player has got where they are at their best. For my case, I like it more in the national team,” he said.

“I know this comment may put me in trouble with my club, and it has in the past, but I really think this should be understandable.”

Sugira scored in both legs of the 2020 African Nations Championship qualifier with Ethiopia that earned Rwanda their place at the finals in Cameroon, but has not found the same form with APR.

A serious knee injury had sidelined the 28-year-old, but he returned to action late last year and has failed to fire the APR frontline, though he continues to get recognition at international level.