IF there is a country that is mad about their football, it’s Burundi. In March, the crazy fans stormed Kigali for the first leg of the 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier. Unfortunately, they departed with tails between their legs following a 3-1 defeat against Amavubi.

But from the Kigali regional stadium experience (constantly cheering on the swallows), Amavubi players know that it will not be a rollercoaster in Bujumbura.

As expected, the 8000 seater Prince Louis stadium will be packed to capacity as the Swallows chase for their first win in the qualifying campaign.

To make sure the Burundian team has all the support it can garner, the Burundi football federation has decided to lower ticket prices.

Now that I think about it, Sellas Tetteh (Amavubi coach) must have had it in mind when choosing to call up the experienced trio of Kalisa Mao, Olivier Karekezi and Bokota Labama.

All in all, the best way to calm down the Swallows is to score an early goal. It will not only calm down the nerves of Amavubi players but also infuse panic in the Burundian team and fans.

Ends