Tuesday

Rwanda vs Burundi 2:00 PMLesotho vs DRC 4:00 PM

The National Rugby team (Silverbacks) interim coach, Brian Makalama has expressed optimism ahead of the Africa Rugby Division 2 Cup, which kicks off today at Amahoro Stadium.

The former Uganda Cranes U-21 coach said the team can go all the way to do better if they embrace teamwork.

"We are now working as a team, we are ready to perform well and our goal is to stick to the plan,” he said.

"The players have opened their minds, they’re seeing the game in a different way, I have tried to improve their communication style, their positioning play. Let’s hope they don’t forget what they have learnt,” Makalama noted.

Makalama said he wants to make the Silverbacks a ball carrying side.

"A pop pass is the safest pass, when you spin. The ball is always spinning behind. My philosophy is to retain the ball so you can do what you want,” he explained.

The Silverbacks won the cup in 2003, 2011 and 2014. If they win this time, they have a chance of qualifying from tier 2 D to the tier 1C which consists of Cameroon, Mauritius, Morocco and Nigeria.

The Silverbacks will play against Burundi and the winner will meet the winner between Lesotho and DRC in the final. The losers will play for the third place.

The tournament squad

Jean De Dieu Hakizimana, Didier Kamanzi, Benjamin Makombe Akami, Jean Leonard Twizeyimana, Victorien Umuhire, Emmanuel Nemeye, Christian Uwase, Jean Leonard Twizeyimana, Jackson Muligo Ntare, Emmanuel Dushimimana, Patrick Kazungu , Heretier Habimana, Barnabas Ngizwenayo.

Patrick Ikorakwishaka, Carlos Simbi , Emmanuel Dushimimana , Ignes Nsanzimana, Marcel Cambara Koko, Ombeni Iradukunda, Pierre Niyoyita, Sixbert Maendeleyo, Diego Dusenge, Aime Ndahirwa, Jean Paul Hajali and Vincent Kamali.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw