Arsenal’s Mugabo called for Algeria home tie

Rwanda’s football governing body, Ferwafa has called up midfielder Alfred Martin Mugabo, who plies his trade with English side Arsenal’s reserve team, for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Algeria due next Sunday in Kigali.

Monday, June 10, 2013
Mugabo (right) played for the Rwanda U-17 team in the Fifa World Cup finals held in Mexico in 2011. The New Times / File.

June 16Rwanda  vs  AlgeriaRwanda’s football governing body, Ferwafa has called up midfielder Alfred Martin Mugabo, who plies his trade with English side Arsenal’s reserve team, for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Algeria due next Sunday in Kigali.Ferwafa Secretary General Michel Gasingwa told local media on Friday, "We have talked to his parents to enable him join Amavubi next week for next Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.”"Following his promotion to Arsenal’s reserve team, we believe this is the right time to have  him involved with the national team to avoid any possible obstacles to secure his services in future."We will keep following up other young and promising Rwandans based abroad such that, if they are good enough and deserve it, they can play for their country,” Gasingwa explained.Mugabo, who played for Rwanda U-17 team in the Fifa World Cup finals held in Mexico in 2011, is expected in the country on Tuesday.The 18-year-old has certainly been doing something right down at the Arsenal training ground in recent months, a feat that has seen him earning a promotion in the reserve team.He has been on the end of some big praise from fans favourite and fellow teammate Jack Wilshere. The England international, who himself has been tipped for a big career, revealed his support for Mugabo on his twitter feed just a couple of months ago.@JackWilshere tweeted: Watch out for this young lad at #Arsenal #Decent #BallerMugabo compares himself to the likes of Arsenal star Abou Diaby and revealed that Barcelona midfielder Xavi is his hero and favourite player of all time.The big, strong and versatile Rwandan is happiest when playing just in front of the back, but can easily make the transition into centre-back, centre-midfield, or even as a wing back.