Defender Dylan Georges Maes insists Rwanda coach Frank Spittler handed him his first senior national team callup on merit as a result of his impressive season at club level.

Maes is part of Spittler's 37-man provisional squad summoned on Friday, May 10, to start preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho in June.

The 23-year-old has had a great season first with Slovenian outfit NK Tolmin in the first half of the season before joining Latvian topflight side FS Jelgava in February.

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The towering centre-back, who previously played for Rwanda at youth level, said it is a dream come true for him to get his debut Amavubi call up and vowed to ensure that the coach keeps faith in him.

"I am happy for the invitation to join the senior national team. It has been my dream since I was a kid and I have worked extremely hard for it." Maes told Times Sport.

"I have had a great season so far in Slovenia and later in Latvia where I am now. I am ready to work extra hard to cement my place for the June qualifiers,” he added.

In all, Maes has made 24 appearances this season, scoring one goal.

Born to a Belgian father and a Rwandan mother in Ukkel, Belgium, Maes has also featured for clubs including Waasland Beveren, Sintrense, Amadora, Alki Oroklini, NK Tolmin and now FS Jelgava.

He was part of the Rwanda U23 team which beat Libya in comeback victory that saw them progress to the next round of the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers. The team missed out on Olympic qualification after losing to Mali.