The national under-17 football team, this week, played their final build-up game to the Fifa U-17 World Cup, against Panama where they drew 1-1, with one man less in the last 30 minutes of the match.

After the game, the Panama coach acknowledged that the Junior Wasps are a strong team that would proceed beyond the group stages. Rwanda’s group C, one of the most competitive, includes England, Uruguay and Canada.

With only two days, to their first game against England, the Junior Wasps need all the support they can get.

This is the first appearance of a Rwandan side in a World Cup. The qualification alone, brought pride to the nation and the least we can do is rally behind them, all the way.

Sports development has been among the priority areas in the country, with investment directed towards soccer academies and nurturing young talent.

The performance of the Junior Wasps is testimony to the fact that vision, determination and hard work pay off in the long run.

Indeed, in sport, success is a collective effort and the role of the fans is paramount.

The Junior Wasps have the potential to perform exceptionally well and they should stay rest assured that they have the full support of the Rwandan people.

Ends