RWANDA will kick-start preparations to host the 2011 Africa Under-17 football championship this March, Times Sport can confirm.

The Minister of Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza  believes that if everything goes according to plan, work should start in March.

"Technically, preparations are supposed to be underway but we have been held back trying to get the logistic work together and also choosing the company that will handle the construction of a modern stadium in Rubavu (Western Province),” the minister said.

"So far, we have two companies (not mentioned) who want the job but that will be sorted out with the national tender board.”

The 2011 African Under-17 Championship will run from June 4 -18 and will be played at three venues; Amahoro national stadium, Regional stadium (Nyamirambo) and Rubavu.

Rwanda was approved to host the competition following their success in staging a successful and glamorous Confederation of African Football (CAF) U-20 Youth Championship at the beginning of last year.

Ghana won the eight-nation competition after overpowering Cameroon 2-0 in the final. Rwanda, who were drawn in Group A along with Ghana, Cameroon and Mali, failed to make the semi-finals after a run of a win, draw and loss.

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