Lessons to learn from AS Kigali’s Caf exit

When AS Kigali was drawn with Difaa El Jadida of Morocco in the 1/8th round of the Africa Confederation’s Cup, one of two things was certain—either the Rwandan side was up for a humiliation or a rosy Cinderella story. None happened. The Kigali City sponsored side put up a show that all Rwandans should be proud of. In the first leg of the tie, they did what they know best – score one goal and defend it well. But the second leg was a different story. Much as they put up a brave showing in the first half in Morocco, Andre Casa Mbungo and his players were found wanting when it mattered most as they were humbled 3-0 to exit the competition with 3-1 aggregate loss. It wasn’t a humiliation. It could have been worse considering AS Kigali’s inexperience, but the footage I caught a glimpse of made me proud. AS Kigali became the first Rwandan club to reach the second round of this competition. This takes me back to a sour memory. Rayon Sports were playing in the bigger, better and more lucrative Caf Champions League same just over a month ago and they didn’t even go beyond the preliminary round. Having left Congo with a 0-0 draw against AS Leopards, Rayon found itself with a 2-0 advantage in the first 20 minutes of the return leg at home. Everything looked like a “happy ending” movie until the director decided to twist the knife. Before we knew it, Rayon Sports surrendered their lead. The game ended 2-2 and the Rwandan side was eliminated on the away goal rule. I had never witnessed such folly and mediocrity on the pitch! It was as if Rayon sports gave the game away willingly. Back to AS Kigali. When you compare the history and facilities between AS Kigali and the club that eliminated them, you’d have no queries as to why it happened. Moneywise and stature, AS Kigali is light years behind Difaa El Jadida. The Nyamirambo based club is barely 15 years old, while Difaa El Jadida is fit to be its grandparent – created in 1956. The Moroccan side is one of those well managed and professional African clubs – it has its own stadium, Stade El Abdi, which accommodates 10,000 fans. More to that, it has more than five players who are valued at 75,000 euros each (about Rwf70 million). It is possible that in the entire history of AS Kigali, their total budget hasn’t risen to that. Yet AS Kigali dared to dream. Despite being eliminated, the fact is that AS Kigali won the first leg – we could take some pride from that. However, the biggest lesson we get is that; greatness is not built overnight. Bravery and tactics can only take a club further into competitions, but they can never give it the foundation it needs for long term success. Because of what the economy dictates now, most clubs are drawn into focusing on short term success; and in the end when they crumble, they break into unrecoverable pieces. The point here is very simple – invest in young talent. Build academies, club stadiums and training grounds. I know it is expensive, but everything starts with a plan. Rather than wasting money by scouting for foreign players everywhere, clubs should emulate countries like Egypt and Libya and Morocco by developing their own local talent right from childhood. Thorny as it may look, that will be one sure path to long term glory. Twitter: @RushAfrican