Following their triumph in the Southern Province zone on Sunday, Rusizi United have shifted focus on the national level semi-finals of the third edition of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) youth championships.

Rusizi United qualified for the national level semi-finals after beating Muhanga-based Winners Academy 4-3 on penalty shoot-outs, following a goalless draw in regular time at Nyagisenyi stadium in Nyamagabe District.

It was also a happy day for Gatagara Centre of Nyanza District who defeated Ruhango in the final of girls’ category with a 3-2 post-match penalty win also following a goalless draw. The semi-finals will be played in late July in Musanze District.

After guiding his team to the last four at the national level, Rusizi United head coach Gilbert Imanishimwe admitted winning on spot kicks is always a breath-taking situation but he is glad they are through and the attention is now turned to the bigger prize.

"We are really happy to win the Southern Province zone title, for us there is no time to relax; we are going to start preparations for the next phase. We are targeting to win the national title,” Imanishimwe said.

Southern Province zone champions Rusizi and Gatagara walked away with a golden trophy and Rwf100.000 in cash prize while the losing finalists, Winners (boys) were awarded a silver trophy and Rwf80.000 whereas Ruhango girls were handed a silver trophy and Rwf70.000.

Rusizi United and Gatagara Academy join Gatsibo Football Academy and Abarashi Girls from the Eastern Province zone who had earlier qualified for the national level semi-finals.

Umuganda stadium in Rubavu hosted finals of the inaugural and second edition of the Airtel Rising Stars youth (U-17) football championship. Ubworoherane stadium in Musanze will host this year’s finals.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw