Former Rwanda international Jean Baptiste ‘Miggy’ Mugiraneza has challenged youngsters hoping to make it as professional footballers that surrounding themselves with good mentors is ‘very important’ as far as choices they make in their careers are concerned.

Mugiraneza, who played for local giants APR for nine years in two stints, currently plies his trade with Tanzanian side Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) football club.

He also previously played for Azam FC, another Tanzanian outfit, Kenya’s most successful club Gor Mahia as well as Rwanda Premier League’s SC Kiyovu.

Speaking to Times Sport in a telephone interview on Wednesday, April 29, Mugiraneza said that he owed his football career to hard work and inspiring mentors he has had over the years.

"Talent alone is never enough in football,” said the veteran midfielder. "One needs to work hard and have good mentors to help them in other aspects of the game such as character and attitude.”

He added: "Football fame could be toxic to young players if not well-guided, that is why mentors are very important. The game is now beyond passion – even our Rwandan football, it is a profession; a serious profession. So we need to raise professional footballers.”

Mugiraneza, one of the most decorated players in local football and one of the best midfielders of his generation, won the 2010 Cecafa Kagame Cup with APR, the club’s last of their three regional titles as well as six league titles and five Peace Cups.

The versatile holding midfielder has also made 68 appearances with the national team Amavubi. However, he has not been called-up since 2017.

At the height of his career, in February 2009, Miggy was linked with a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais but the transfer did not materialise.

During his two years with Gor Mahia, between 2016 and 2018, Mugiraneza helped the club to two Kenya Premier League titles.