Rwandan coaches to embrace Arsenal’s football philosophy
Sunday, May 05, 2024

Arsenal FC football programs manager Simon McManus has said they are trying to implement the club's football philosophy in Rwanda.

The Premier League club official hinted that a new batch of coaches, who are being trained in Kigali as part of the "Visit Rwanda-Arsenal" coaching clinic, are expected to spread the Arsenal style of play among Rwandan players at youth level so that they grow up playing the Arsenal way.

"The coaching level is rising, the new group is working at U20 level and they have more experience. We have been trying to introduce a game model where Rwandan young talents play with a clear way of playing using Arsenal game model as a guiding line," McManus told the press.

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He also stressed that they are bent on building the capacities of Rwandan coaches so that they can be at the top of their job especially in youth development.

"Arsenal and Rwanda have worked together for a number of years. We are trying to impact coaches in order to improve football in Rwanda. This week we've worked closely with Rwanda FA (FERWAFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to hopefully build the capacity of coaches here," he said.

The first phase of the coaching clinic program came into place in 2019 were 50 coaches took part. The second and latest stage which started in May saw 55 U20 coaches going through various coaching modules and training.

For Muhazi United U20 coach Emmanuel Uwimana, the program is beneficial as youth development is the bedrock of football.

"Personally, I really like the program as a beneficiary and a coach dedicated in football development. I have learnt so many things which will help me in my job,” Uwimana told Times Sport.

"Youth football produces the stars for the future so it is prudent we, the youth team coaches, get the needed training and skills to give our best in grooming new talents," he added.

The program is being implement by Arsenal in partnership with FERWAFA, MINISPORTS and RDB.