Players born in Rubavu and the Rwandan football fraternity in general are mourning the passing of celebrated Rwandan youth coach Jitiada Mungo, commonly known in Gisenyi as "Vigoureux” who died aged 67.
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Vigoureux’s grace, sportsmanship and dedication of helping young people across the North-Western town to improve their lives through playing football, have been impeccable in local football especially in Rubavu District.
"He built bridges across Rwanda and he was a one of greatest coaches in Rwanda to help youth in growing their talents. Vigoureux is gone but the Rwanda and, especially Rubavu, will never forget him. RIP," said former Amavubi captain Haruna Niyonzima.
Niyonzima is one of the players born in Rubavu who grew their football careers under Vigoureux’s mentorship throughout their youth football until they became top players. It was the coach who helped him grow his talent before signing his first professional contract for Etincelles.
ALSO READ: Celebrated Rubavu youth coach ‘Vigoureux’ dies at 67
"His profile as a Rwandan icon of sporting excellence and high coaching achievements was an inspirational model which encouraged us to work hard and change life. His legacy extends beyond the everyone in us, "the veteran midfielder said.
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Vigoureux had been hospitalized at Gisenyi Hospital for a couple of days until he breathed his last on Thursday morning. He was first diagnosed in April 2023 when he was suffering from kidney disease, anemia and Hepatitis C.
"A simple goodbye to our coach will never be enough to express the pain hitting Rubavu players at this moment. An inspiration for so many of us, his reference will always remain,” said Amavubi captain Djihad Bizimana.
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"The affection he has always shown for me and others since we started our football careers, was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even at distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will last forever in each and every one of us local football lovers. Rest in peace” he added.
Niyonzima and Bizimana are part of long list of tens or hundreds of players born in Rubavu town that Vigoureux had a hand in their career development from their youth football.
Others include Emery Bayisenge, Jacques Tuyisenge, Ismail ‘Kodo’ Nshutinamagara and Leandre Bizagwira, Sadjat Niyonkuru, Solomon Nirisarike, Latif Bishira, Vedaste Kayiranga, Radjab Bizumuremyi, Ramadhan Niyibizi, Jean Remy Bitana, JMV Shyaka, James Tubane and Clement Mutunzi to mention but a few.
"May he rest in peace. He lived a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of football in Rwanda and Rubavu in particular,” a grieving Tuyisenge told Times Sport.
"He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility and he was good person and sportsman.”
On his part, Muhajiri described Vigoureux as "a good man, simple in society.
"And yes, we will always remember him. He made us work with him in training enjoyable because he was hands-on and when you wouldn’t understand his message, he would demonstrate it practically,” the Police forward said.
"My heart is broken because Vigoureux was not only my coach but my father and role model; he inspired me to play in this position,” Muhajiri added
Vigoureux, 67, is probably the most successful youth trainer in Rwandan football even though he is not well known, at least outside Rubavu district and its surrounding areas.
He played for Etincelles from 1978 to 1984 before retiring prematurely to concentrate on his coaching. He is survived with four children from his late wife, who passed away in 2007, and in January 2013.
Meanwhile, a minute of silence will be observed across all venues that will host Match Day 3 of the Rwanda Premier League in honor of the coach.