Assistant coachVincent Mashami will be in charge of the U-23 side as they commence preparations today for the return leg against Uganda Kobs in the CAF U-23 Championship/Rio Olympic qualifier on May 30 at the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium in Kampala.

Head Coach Johnny McKinstry flew to Europe on Saturday night to attend a long-standing commitment in relation to his UEFA Pro License, an agreement that was decided between Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and the Irish tactician at the time of his appointment in March.

McKinstry said, "I have full confidence in Vincent Mashami to oversee the team because he understands what we want to achieve going into the return leg.”

Mashami will be joined by Gicumbi coach Emmanuel Ruremesha, while regular technical staff including goalkeeping coach Ibrahim Mugisha will continue with their roles.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Vedaste Niyibizi of Sunrise FC has replaced the injured Maxime Sekamana, who is nursing an Achilles heel injury to his right leg.

McKinstry will return to Kigali next week to continue preparations for the start of Amavubi’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign which kicks off in June with a game against Mozambique in Maputo scheduled on the weekend of June 13-14.