The head of the local football governing body has insisted that the federation will not be rushed into naming a new national team head coach – to replace Johnny McKinstry – saying the issue will not be dealt with before May, 2017.

FERWAFA president Vincent Nzamwita made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Times Sport and argued that it’s pointless to appoint a new coach at a time when the national team is out of all international competitions. 

Amavubi will return to international football in June 2017 when 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers will begin. 

He said, "To sign a new head coach you takes money, and the fact is that we are out of 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2017 AfCON 2017 qualifiers, we don’t need a head coach at this moment.” 

"We can save that money and instead make sure that by May 2017, we have the suitable man to prepare for CHAN 2018. That would be more appropriate and cost effective,” added Nzamwita. 

"I am sure two months before the 2018 CHAN qualifiers is enough for the new coach to scout players, organise friendly matches and training camps, so right we don’t need a coach right now,” he added. 

McKinstry was sacked on August 18 after a dismal run of results that saw Amavubi register their worst FIFA/Coca-Cola ranking in years, coming in a lowly 121st position in July.

In the immediate aftermath, the Northern Irishman was replaced by Gilbert ‘Yaoundé’ Kanyankore, who was to be assisted by AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana. 

However, the duo was relieved of their duties only four days later and former Rwanda international Jimmy Mulisa appointed in interim capacity – to take charge of team in its final 2017 AfCON qualifier, against Ghana on September 3 in Accra, which ended in a 1-all draw.

Asked whether this means the Amavubi will not play any game until May next year, Nzamwita said: "If we happen to organise an international friendly, we shall put local coaches in charge like we did with the Ghana game and the money that is saved because of the absence of a national head coach for now can be channeled into other development activities.” 

In this month’s FIFA rankings, Rwanda remained unmoved – on the 107th position globally and 32nd on the African continent.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw