Micho opts for local talent

NATIONAL football team coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic has revealed that he will only field young, local based players for the weekend’s international friendly against Namibia in Windhoek.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Milutin Sredojovic.

Fifa international matchSaturdayNamibia vs. RwandaNATIONAL football team coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic has revealed that he will only field young, local based players for the weekend’s international friendly against Namibia in Windhoek.Speaking to Times Sport yesterday, the Serb tactician said his decision is a long term project that will lead up to 2016 when Rwanda hosts Caf/CHAN finals.The friendly is a build-up to Rwanda’s engagements in 2012 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, CHAN finals and the World Cup qualifiers. "I will field a local-based squad after failing to secure professional players,” he said."These are products of U-17 and U-20 national teams. They are good but lack experience. We are going to have a difficult task but it’s good for these players and country.”"People should understand our situation; we are preparing this team for the future. Rwandans will be proud of this team”"This will be the youngest squad ever in the history of Rwanda but it will also be another big achievement since, for the first time, we will have a full team singing the national anthem with much ease."This is a new dawn for Amavubi. The players are ready to get results and they are ready for Namibia. The mood is positive and they are all committed and dedicated to deliver."This is new blood and our role is to direct our positive energies, talents and quality to help them mature. One international match is a big achievement because it is a step in the development of their careers.”The Amavubi depart for South Africa today from where they will connect to Windhoek, from Johannesburg.AS Cannes striker Elias Uzamukunda, Yanga’s pair of Mbuyu Twite and Haruna and Vietnam-based Steven Emmanuel Godfroid Kunduma, 22, will not feature for the team in Windhoek.    Micho will rely on the services of rising stars; Yves Kwizera, Francois Habyarimana, Emery Bayisenge, Alexis Ngirimana, Fabrice Twagizimana, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Jean d’amour Uwimana, Eric Nsabimana and Yannick. Senior players; Jean Claude Iranzi, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza, Jean Claude Ndoli and Ismail Nshutiyamagara will bring experience to the young squad. Rwanda will play another friendly, against Namibia, on November 11 in Kigali.