AZAM FC, through their head of the Communication Department, Thabit Zakaria, have stated that they will not underestimate APR in the CAF Champions League preliminary stages first leg, scheduled to take place from August 13-15.

The Chamazi-based side will kick off their campaign at home by hosting APR before traveling to Rwanda for the reverse leg encounter, to be played between August 20 and 22 at Amahoro Stadium. The winner will proceed to face either JKU SC of Zanzibar or Pyramids FC of Egypt on the path to the group stages.

This presents another opportunity for Azam to achieve their first dream of reaching the group stages of the CAF interclub competition, having attempted and failed many times before. The overall winners after the two-legged fixtures will advance to the next round, where they will play against either JKU (Zanzibar) or Pyramids FC (Egypt) in another home-and-away series before potentially making it to the group stage.

Last season, Azam were eliminated in the first preliminary stage of the CAF Confederation Cup by Ethiopian representatives Bahir Dar Kenema in a 4-3 penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate score over both legs.

APR had an abysmal Champions League campaign during the 2023/24 season, bowing out in the second round following a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Egyptian side Pyramids FC. After winning the 2023/24 league, the army side has made significant recruitments this transfer window as they look to return to Africa's biggest club competition much stronger, with fresh ambitions to at least reach the group stages.

Speaking ahead of their pre-season preparations following their CAF Champions League preliminary fixture with APR, Zakaria emphasized that Azam cannot underestimate APR because they have yet to achieve anything significant in the competition.

"APR is not a team to be underestimated. With respect, we haven't achieved anything yet in the CAF interclub competition. The Rwandan side is a hard and tough team to play against; they have played qualification stages for many years but have yet to qualify," said Zakaria.

"The hunger they have is what drives us to be cautious and focused on building a strong team in the CAF Champions League so that we can achieve our goal. I know it will be tough, but we will put in intensive preparations to succeed.”

Azam have kicked off their pre-season training in Zanzibar with a match against Zimamoto before heading to Morocco for international friendlies next week under coach Youssouph Dabo. The team is looking sharp, with new signings eager to prove themselves before a potentially challenging season.

New faces in the squad include Ivorian midfielder Franck Tiesse, defender Yoro Mamadou Diaby, Colombian midfielder Ever Meza, and Colombian striker Jhonier Blanco. 

Locally, Azam have added striker Adam Omar Adam and midfielder Nassor Saadun.

Azam FC are set for a packed schedule, competing in the CAF interclub competition, Premier League, Community Shield mini-tournament, Mapinduzi Cup, and Muungano Cup.

The team secured a strong second-place finish in the Premier League, edging out rivals Simba on goal difference thanks to a crucial 2-0 victory against Geita Gold on the final day. 

The result guaranteed Azam a spot alongside champions Young Africans to represent Tanzania in the CAF Champions League next season.

While player signings are complete, Zakaria said official announcements for some new additions are still forthcoming.