Rayon Sports deputy skipper Samuel Ndizeye, Kiyovu Sports midfielder Nshimirimana Ismail and Omar Mousa of Police FC have all been invited by Burundian national team head coach Jimmy Ndayizeye for their international friendly game with Côte d'Ivoire on November 16.

The three players were in fine form for their respective teams in the Rwanda Premier League this season. They were rewarded with the national team invitation for the November friendly.

Ndizeye is a pillar in central defense for Rayon Sports who sit on top of the Rwanda Premier League table whereas Nshimirimana and Mousa are also excellent for Kiyovu and Police FC.

Notable absentees from the Burundian squad are 2021/22 Rwanda Premier League best player Abedi Bigirimana of Kiyovu Sports who has been overlooked as well as AS Kigali striker Shaban Hissein.

The 'Swallows' of Burundi are using the game against Côte d'Ivoire as part of their preparations for the AFCON qualifiers which resume in March 2023.

Burundi are second in Group C with one point from two games and will be hoping to qualify for the tournament which will be held in Côte d'Ivoire in January 2024..