Focus is on building new Amavubi, says minister Mitali

A day after head coach Sellas Tetteh resigned, Sports Minister Protais Mitali vowed to do the needful in building a new and better national team.Appearing on a talk show on a local private radio station, Minister Mitali said, “Our main focus is to build a new team. We need everyone’s support; we are also going to do our best to prepare for the game against Benin.”

Friday, September 09, 2011
L-R:Sports minister Protais Mitali ; The Amavubi team that started the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Cote du2019Ivoire last Saturday at Amahoro stadium. The New Times / Timothy Kisambira.

A day after head coach Sellas Tetteh resigned, Sports Minister Protais Mitali vowed to do the needful in building a new and better national team.

Appearing on a talk show on a local private radio station, Minister Mitali said, "Our main focus is to build a new team. We need everyone’s support; we are also going to do our best to prepare for the game against Benin.”

He added, "Although we cannot qualify for 2012 Africa Cup of Nation [after losing four of five qualifiers], the team must fight for the pride of the nation.”

The minister also urged league clubs to set clear youth structures that will pave way for the country’s football development.

"I am requesting clubs to have clear structures. A competitive league with active clubs will help to provide good players to the national team,” added Mitali.

Rwanda will face Benin on October 8 away in Porto Novo; play Eritrea in a two-legged tie in the preliminary round of the qualification for Brazil 2014 in November before concluding the year with the Cecafa Challenge Cup in Tanzania.

The Amavubi stars are stuck bottom of Group H with three points in five matches of the 2012 Africa Nations’ Cup qualifiers.

Cote d’Ivoire booked their place at the CAN tournament finals following last Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Amavubi, a result that prompted the resignation of coach Tetteh on Monday.

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