As the national football, the Amavubi Stars kick off their 2010 World Cup and African Nations cup campaign, Time sport runs you through the team on whose shoulders the nations’ qualification’s hopes will be resting on.

Goalkeepers

Jean-Claude Ndoli, the APR custodian continues to be a formidable last point of defence for the national team despite his several loopholes due to lack of experience for big games.

During the Africa nations championship game against Sudan he was exposed as he gave away a goal. But despite all that he continues to don the national jersey as he faces no major competition.

Jean-Luc Ndayishimiye, One of national team’s newcomers after impressing at the junior levels.

Second choice behind Ndoli, the Atraco goalkeeper has earned several international cups in the recent times, including two games in the group phase of the 2007 Cecafa regional championship.

Evariste Mutuyimana, a newcomer and has so much to prove to the coach if he is to continue his international career. He is the reason for Kiyovu’s impressive season.

Charles Hakizimana, playing second to Ndayishimiye at club level, he was a surprise call to the national team.

Defenders

Elias Ntaganda, Solid but unassuming left back is a veteran of the team and was a member of the 2004 team that was in Tunis for the African cup of Nations. Gets forward but is less of a threat in front of goal.

Ismail Nshutinamagara, Polished international. Has made a huge impact since joining Atraco from Kiyovu and by no means a first-choice pick.

A rare goal getter

Hamad Ndikumana a.k.a Katauti, Not the quickest defender around but the inspirational team captain reads the game instinctively and is fearless in the tackle.

Great heading ability makes him a goal threat at free kicks and corners. Returns to the team after two years in international wilderness after "apologizing” to the football federation.

Aloua Gaseruka, An automatic choice at club and country. Possesses great tackles and ball control and will be desperate to stamp his place on the team.

Sadou Boubakary, The APR defender forms a rock-solid central defensive partnership with Gaseruka at APR. A game reader and good on one-one marker, Boubakary uses the ball well and is rarely flustered.

Bonaventure Hategikimana seems to have put all his early-career disciplinary problems behind him and has matured into an outstanding defender.

Composed on the ball and a free kick specialist, he also sometimes demonstrates real leadership qualities. Signed for Rayon after being released by Atraco. He also enjoyed several successful seasons at APR.

Fritz Emeran Nkusi a veteran of the team, Fritz has struggled to stamp his place on the team last featured for national during the ill-fated nation’s cup campaign under the reign of former coach Michael Nees.

Aimable Rucogoza, a rock at the heart of Rayon’s defence and a recent feature of the national team.

Jean-Bosco Uwacu, a product of the national junior teams who would be an automatic starter at most other local clubs but has to be content with a squad player role at APR.

Arafat Serugendo has appeared in most of Mukura’s league matches this season, proving an able royal servant for southern province giant killers. Won his first international cap under Michael Nees. Tough and solid but lack of international exposure is his undoing.

Amani Uwiringiyimana, the U-17 national team captain is a newcomer and has so much to prove to the coach if he is to continue his international career. At Police he is at the heart of defence.

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