Former Amavubi forward Hubert ‘Bebe’ Nshizirungu is optimistic Rwanda will have a strong national senior team in the next ten years.

Nshizirungu made the remarks at the end of the five-day FERWAFA License D Coaching course on Friday last week at FERWAFA headquarters in Remera.

He said, "We have had a very constructive week during this fruitful course. We are delighted because today we are now regarded as coaches,” he said

"We are going to implement what we have studied through our respective technical centers and clubs and our target is to be able to develop and nurture the best crop of talented players. I am very confident that in 10 or 15 years to come, we will be having a strong national team through the intensive work that we have all agreed to pursue at the grassroots level,” added Bebe

Bebe, a former Amavubi forward helped Rwanda win the 1999 CECAFA Challenge Cup title with Rwanda B, a year after he had lifted the CECAFA Club Championship with Rayon Sports in Zanzibar. He also won the national league title with Azam Rwanda Premier League side SC Kiyovu in 1992.

"Coaching is a tough task which requires passion and commitment. You all need these qualities to be able excel in this profession,” the FERWAFA Executive Committee member in charge of technical development, Albert Kayiranga said during the closing ceremony.

Upon conclusion, thirty-one coaches were awarded with the FERWAFA D Coaching Licences. The course was conducted by the CAF/FERWAFA instructor Antoine Rutsindura.

Among the coaches who completed the FERWAFA D Coaching Licences, there was only one female Scovia Kabanyana who coaches a girl’s football club, Imanzi Football Academy.

Some of the known former players who were awarded their coaching licenses include; former Police FC forward Leandre Sekamana, Abdoulkarim Fikiri, former APR FC and AS Kigali player Ismael Nshutinamagara, Sasha Dusange and Patrick Kayiranga Uwingabiye.

Others include Byimana Crispe, Joseph Ntawugashira, Anaclet Hirana, Jean Claude Ndayishimiye, Nicolas Nsabimana, Yannick Tuyisenge, Michel Manirakiza, Oscar Mukunzi, Jean Marie Vianney Twagiramungu, Adolphe Mubumbyi, Jean de Dieu Trinite, Isaa Hakizimana, Abdullah Twizeyimana, Evariste Nshimiyimana, Eduard Nsegiyumva, Jeffrey Manirareba, Thierry Cyubahiro, Ferzi Pitchou Nduwimana, Eric Ntaganda, Peter Claver Rwibutso, Samuel Ndayishimiye,  Jean Marie Vianney Kubyimana, Ildephonse Twiringiyimana and Jean Pierre Muligande.

The National D License Course is the first licensing course offered to upcoming coaches to expand their knowledge and understanding of the technical and tactical demands of the game and the developmental process necessary for players. It also provides an understanding of practical coaching methodology and the framework necessary to prepare players and a team for competition and prepare coaches better before they pursue advanced CAF C coaching courses.

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