Rwanda’s U-20 team will play against South Africa and Congo-Brazzaville ahead of the for the17th edition of the African youth championships due in Kigali next year.

Ferwafa’s Chief Executive Officer Jules Kalisa told Times Sport that both countries have shown desire to host and play Rwanda.

 "We have received invitations from South Africa and Congo Brazzaville and we are yet to reply positively.

"Congo Brazzaville had opted that we play before the end of this month but this could not be possible since we were in the process of regrouping the team to enable it start its preparations,”

"We want this game plus the South Africa game to be played in early and mid March,” Kalisa said.

These international friendly games will help to put the national youth team in shape before hosting the 2009 African youth tournament.

The under-20 national team regroups today to start preparations for next year’s African tournament.

The U-20 team managers, Croatian born Tomislav and national coaches Eric Nshimiyimana, Yves Rwasamanzi and Claude Ishimwe have a task of assembling a team capable which must not only do well but win the Youth Championship which will be hosted on home soil.

The winner of the African youth championship in Rwanda will automatically qualify to the finals of the 2009 World Cup due in Cairo, Egypt.
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