AS Kigali should be commended but they have a lot to learn

The City of Kigali-sponsored AS Kigali should be commended for their relatively good run in Caf Confederation Cup despite being eliminated in the second round by Moroccan side Difaa El Jadida, last month.AS Kigali won the ticket to represent Rwanda in Africa’s second biggest club competition after lifting the Peace Cup last year, and their impressive run in the competition was ended by a 3-1 goal aggregate--the Rwanda Peace Cup champions won the first leg 1- 0 in Kigali but lost 3- 0 in the return leg.It’s not a shame for a youthful and inexperienced team to reach the second round of whatever Caf competitions they play in, but rather gives a ray of hope for the future of Rwandan football.Improvement or progress in each and everything needs patience; it’s a step by step affair and we at least expect Coach Andre Casa Mbungo and his team to do better the next time they return to the continental competition.History shows that no Rwandan club has ever qualified for the group stages of Caf competitions, including the Champion League and Confederation Cup.Rwandan giant clubs APR and Rayon Sports have made several attempts without success and possibly AS Kigali could break this jinx in the upcoming years if they can build on what they have achieved in the last two years and the experience gained from this year’s run.En-route to the second round, AS Kigali overcame Burundian side Academie Tchite owned by Burundi-born professional footballer Mohammed ‘Meme’ Tchite.Tchite started his football career in Rwanda with Mukura Victory Sport before he broke into professional ranks in Belgium. He has also played for French and Spanish clubs as well.AS Kigali won the first leg 1- 0 in Kigali before they drew 1- 1 in second leg in Bujumbura to progress for the first round where they were drawn against Sudanese Al Ahly Shendi. Casa Mbungo’s team beat the Sudanese side 1-0 and lost 1-0 in the return leg but progressed after 5-4 on post-match spot kicks.The one important thing we learnt is that most of the Academy Tchite players are from the club’s academy, which should give a challenge to our clubs, which rely on government (districts) for survival.Many of the national first division clubs are sponsored by districts where they are located, which is a total shame to Rwandan football. The game won’t reach anywhere when clubs still depend on handouts to stay in business.Our clubs need to fend for themselves and try as much as possible to be self-dependent. By generating own income, the clubs would learn to invest in youth development by taping into the existing raw talent at the grassroots.A club like AS Kigali would be in a good shape or can improve its overall football standards in five year’s time if they can invest in youth development programmes.No one could deem AS Kigali’s failure to go passed the second round as a letdown, but based on their previous and current performances, it is evident that the current squad lack the quality required to take the club to another level.Over the years, Rwandan clubs have been eliminated by North African clubs. However, most North African clubs were formed many years ago, and are far better in terms of resources on and off the field.Most North African clubs embark on home grown talents and they do possess established football academies unlike in Rwanda where our football clubs pick 16’s or 17-year olds from the streets.AS Kigali coach Casa Mbungo seems to have a good vision for his club. If he can maintain his stance, I am sure he will receive adequate support from his bosses led by the City of Kigali mayor Fidele Ndayisaba, who appears to be a football lover.