As clubs fail to release players

RWANDA’s preparation for next month’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Khartoum, Sudan, has been slowed down by clubs’ reluctance to release players.

Only eight of the 18 players expected in camp on Monday showed up leaving Amavubi head coach Sellas Tetteh a very frustrated man.

"It’s absurd that clubs are unwilling to release their players. Since Monday, only eight players have turned up for training and yet we don’t have a lot of time,” the Ghanaian said, adding that he is disappointed that the local football federation (Ferwafa) has refused call off next week’s Primus League fixtures.

Rayon is scheduled to play reigning champions APR mid next week and has opted to hold onto its players as it prepares for the big game.

"I don’t think people are giving the competition (CHAN) the value and attention it deserves,” a frustrated Tetteh added.

Meanwhile, APR players will only join camp after their Orange Champions League preliminary round tie against Club Africain of Tunisia at the end of this month.

Junior Wasps duo Emery Bayisenge and Faustin Usengimana’s availability also depends on how well Rwanda plays in the on-going Caf U-17 championship.

Rwanda is drawn in Group D alongside Tunisia, Angola and Senegal. Hosts Sudan, Gabon, Uganda and Algeria make up Group A; Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Niger are in Group B while Group C pits holders DRC against Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Mali.

The 16-nation tournament, reserved for players featuring in their domestic leagues, will run from February 4-25.
Rwanda qualified after edging second round opponents Tanzania 1-0 on aggregate and will open their campaign on February 7 against Senegal.

DRC won the inaugural event held last year in Ivory Coast.

Ends