Mbuyu, Pekinho major boosts for Branko

Jimmy Mulisa may not be an automatic choice for Tucak Branko in next month’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Zambia. The Belgium-based midfielder’s performance in training so far has been below par.

The professional player looks to be struggling with what looks like a hamstring injury although Amavubi’s team doctor Musa Hakizimana thinks that it could be jet lag.

Mulisa now faces stiff competition from APR starlet Haruna Niyonzima and Rayon Sport midfielder Albert Ngabo. Meanwhile, Amavubi Stars coach Tucak Branko is happy with the progress Eric Gasana and Pekeyake ‘Pekinho’ Tuyisenge have made in their makeshift midfield roles.

Mbuyu has made tremendous progress as an offensive midfielder, a position that has let down Rwanda in the past. If the player maintains his good form behind the two strikers, Rwanda will be a handful for Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

Pekeyake, who has often come off the bench for Rayon Sport this season, has also proved that the Blues have been under utilizing him with a string of top class performances in Amavubi’s select sides.

The left winger has proved that he can be a real menace for defenders after constantly troubling the like of Bonaventure Hategikimana and Jean Uwacu on the left flank.

Rwanda is scheduled to play a friendly with Malawi on May 31 before their crunch game against Zambia on June 6 in Lusaka.

Rwanda were held to a goalless home draw in their first qualifier against Algeria and are desperate for a good result in Lusaka to boost their World/ CAN hopes.

African champions Egypt also drew 1-1 against Zambia to leave Group C wide open.

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