As Tetteh shortlists four pros for Malawi friendly

Fifa Friendly Match

Malawi vs Rwanda (Nov. 17)

ELIAS Uzamukunda is one of four professionals who have been summoned by Amavubi head coach, Sellas Tetteh, for next week’s friendly against Malawi in Blantyre.

Tetteh revealed the quartet while speaking to Times Sport yesterday.

"We have called up Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes), Jean Paul Lutula (Yanbian FC), Louis Aniweta (Apop Kinyaras Peyias) and Thierry Kasereka (AS Vita).”

This means there is no place for former Amavubi captains Olivier Karekezi and Hamad Ndikumana ‘Katauti’, despite widespread reports that they were set for a recall following a poor start in the 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers, where Rwanda suffered identical 3-0 defeats against Ivory Coast and Benin.

Abbas Rassou’s involvement in Wednesday’s friendly hangs in a balance as the striker struggles to shake off a knee injury he sustained during APR’s Primus National Football League 2-1 win over SC Kiyovu two weeks ago.

The striker sat out all of Amavubi’s training sessions this week but can still force his way into the team if he shakes off the injury.

Mbuyu Twite a.k.a Eric Gasana is also a major doubt. However, Tetteh is giving the pair every opportunity to feature in the qualifier after indicating that he would wait as long as he can before naming the final squad.

The players joined their respective clubs, yesterday, to prepare for this weekend’s Primus National Football League fixtures and are expected to regroup, Sunday evening, before heading to Blantyre Monday night. Wednesday’s tie is a good opportunity for the wasps to redeem themselves after back to back defeats last year.

The teams met in two trial games and the Flames finished on top on both occasions.

In addition, Amavubi will use the tie as a build-up to the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, which kicks off at the end of this month.

The tournament, which will be staged in Dar es Salaam from November 27 –December 13, will also attract guests Zambia, Ivory Coast and Malawi, as well as regulars Kenya, Burundi, Sudan, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Somalia, defending champions Uganda and hosts Tanzania.

The top two teams in each group and the best two qualifiers from all the three groups will progress to the quarter finals.

Serengeti Breweries are the official sponsors after splashing $450,000 (approx. Rwf263m) into the two-week tournament.

Ends