Tomorrow

South Africa U23s vs Rwanda CHAN team

In a bid to prove their case for inclusion at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), an 18-man Amavubi squad will be looking to impress in tomorrow’s friendly against South Africa U-23 national football team at the University of Johannesburg.

With up to 12 players who are new to the national side or have not been involved in over a year, tomorrow’s encounter has set the perfect platform that they are holding onto with both hands.

Right back Jean Marie Rukundo, who recently returned to action after a long term injury, is one of the outstanding players that have impressed Amavubi head coach Johnny McKinstry.

"I have liked Jean Marie Rukundo for more than his playing ability. He is a leader as well. He understands what we are looking for in that position. He is obviously coming into a position where we have a lot of competition in terms of Michel (Rusheshangoga),” explained the Irish coach who has been in charge since March.

Rusheshangoga, who is currently with APR at the ongoing CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam, has mastered the art of balancing between his defensive and attacking roles at right back but most notably is an aggressive and very good tackler which has made him number one choice in that position at club level as well as on the national U-23 and Amavubi teams.

Nevertheless, McKinstry thinks that Rukundo’s performance in the one-week training has made a case to challenge Rusheshangoga who has only faced competition from Fitina Omborenga who has played second fiddle since.

Holding midfielder Imran Nshimiyimana is expected to join in the midfield fray in the future having brought a physical aspect to the new look side and will comfortably challenge for a place in that role with Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Yannick Mukunzi, Djihad Bizimana, Andrew Buteera and Mohammed Mushimiyimana.

Meanwhile, the set of players that were involved in the 1-0 victory over Mozambique in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last month, is expected to lead the pace tomorrow.

Striker Ernest Sugira and right winger Jacques Tuyisenge who combined for the lone strike against Os Mambas will be expected to replicate the same form against Amaglug-lug, who McKinstry has referred to as ‘quality opposition’.

Amavubi squad:

Goalkeepers: Olivier Kwizera, Eric Ndayishimiye

Defenders: Celestin Ndayishimiye, Fitina Omborenga, Jean Marie Rukundo, Faustin Usengimana, Amani Uwiringiyimana, Fabrice Twagizimana

Midfielders: Imran Nshimiyimana, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Innocent Habyarimana, Amini Muzerwa, Kevin Muhire, Savio Dominique Nshuti, Jacques Tuyisenge.

Strikers: Danny Usengimana, Isaie Songa, Ernest Sugira

editorial@newtimes.co.rw