When Rwanda beat Burundi in the first leg of their 2012 African Nations Cup (CAN) qualifiers in Kigali to move to the 3rd spot in their group, many fans believed that Sellas Tetteh’s side were on a come back – after earlier defeats to Ivory Coast and Benin –  to qualify for the continental showpiece.

However, last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to the Swallows in the return leg in Bujumbura means that the country has lost the opportunity to participate in the CAN finals next year. However, despite the loss, we must not lose hope.

The senior Amavubi team may not be performing well at the moment, but the fact that the U-17 side are on their way to the World Cup in Mexico is worth celebrating.

The youngsters’ success is a direct result of the youth football development policy. They are a truly homegrown team and their best days lie ahead.

Jim Manyinya
Mulindi