2010 World/Africa Cup qualifiers

June 6
Zambia v Rwanda

June 7
Algeria v Egypt

Amavubi Stars head coach Branko Tucak has recalled veteran striker Jimmy Gatete and Labama Bokota Kamana for the next 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia due on June 6 in Lusaka.

The Croat has called up a provisional squad of 25 home based players to start preparation for crucial qualifier against the Chipolopolo.

The list was released on Wednesday and the team entered residential training camp a day later (Thursday) at La Palisse hotel, Nyandungu. Among the notable names on the provisional squad is Gatete, Bokota and defender Aloua Gaseruka.

While Gatete has enjoyed a new lease of life since the start of the league second round and right so deserves a place on the team, Bokota has not kicked a ball in over two months with nagging injuries and bouts of malaria.

Atraco defender Gaseruka, who was also dropped for the last home qualifier against Algeria on March 28, is also back in the mix.

Union Sport striker Said Abed Makasi and Atraco’s Jean Lomami were also recalled while Patrick Mafisango and Haruna Niyonzima maintained their places.

However, the coach and his boss at Ferwafa were tightlipped about which professionals will be summoned for the encounter. After drawing their first game against Algeria, Rwanda needs a good result in Zambia to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Zambia also played out to a 1-all draw away to Egypt in Cairo and will be hoping for home comfort against Tucak’s team. The draws in the opening matches left the Group Three wide open as all countries are tied on one point each.

The Amavubi Stars need to do extremely well win the remaining matches to be on the safe side of qualifying for either the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa or Africa Nations Cup finals in Angola or both depending on their position at the end of the campaign.

Provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (Atraco), Patrick Rutayisire (AS Kigali) and Emery Mvuyekure (Electrogaz)

Defenders: Ismail Nshutiyamagara (APR), Bonaventure Hategekimana (Rayon Sport), Aloua Gaseruka (Atraco), Elias Ntaganda (APR), Aimable Rucogoza (Rayon Sports), Donatien Tuyizere (Atraco), Jean Bosco Uwacu (APR), Albert Ngabo (Rayon Sport) and Arafat Serugendo (APR)

Midfielders: Eric Gasana (APR), Jean Mugiraneza (APR), Patrick Mafisango (APR), Haruna Niyonzima (APR), Abdul Uwimana (Rayon Sport), Pekeyake Tuyisenge (Rayon Sport) and Yussuf Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sport)

Strikers: Labama Bokota Kamana (Rayon), Jean Lomami (Atraco), Elias Uzamukunda (APR), Said Abed Makasi (Union) and Jimmy Gatete (Rayon Sport)

Ends