Niyonzima returns to Amavubi

Amavubi captain Haruna Niyonzima has been named on the 25-man provisional squad of the U-23 national team that will face Tanzania on January 22. Niyonzima, who plies his trade for Yanga in Tanzania, was excluded from the national team against Morocco in November as former head coach Stephen Constantine explained that he was preparing a team for the African Nations Championship (Chan) due next year. The continental tournament that will be hosted in Rwanda next January is only viable for players, who feature in domestic leagues in their specific countries, which excludes Niyonzima. The former Etincelles, Rayon Sports and APR midfielder was also not summoned for the friendly against Burundi last month as the U-23 side started preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifier against Somalia in March. In an exclusive interview with Times Sport, Niyonzima admitted that, “I am so excited about my return to the national team. I want to contribute to the success of the team. This is what makes me happy. When we win, I am happy.” Niyonzima joins APR duo Ismael Nshutiyamagara and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Ernest Sugira of AS Kigali and Mukura’s Jean Claude Zagabe as the over age players on the provincial list. Andrew Buteera, who recently received his Rwandan nationality, has also been included on the list alongside a host of youngsters who participated at the 2011 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Mexico including goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera, Michel Rusheshangoga, Emery Bayisenge, Marcel Nzarora, Steven Ntalibi and Justin Mico. ************ Full list: Goal Keepers: Marcel Nzarora (Police), Olivier Kwizera (APR) and Steven Ntalibi (Police) Defenders: Soter Kayumba (AS Kigali), Ismail Nshutiyamagara (APR), Emery Bayisenge (APR), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Fitina Ombelenga (SC Kiyovu), Janvier Mutijima (AS Kigali) and Eric Rutanga (APR). Midfielders: Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Rachid Kalisa (Police), Justin Mico (AS Kigali), Savio Nshuti Dominique (Isonga), Patrick Sibomana (APR), Jean Claude Zagabe (Mukura), Kevin Muhire (Isonga), Andrew Buteera (APR) and Emmanuel Sebanani (Police). Forwards: Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali), Danny Usengimana (Isonga), Bertrand Iradukunda (APR), Innocent Ndizeye (Amagaju) and Issa Bigirimana (APR). Overage Players: Ismail Nshutiyamagara (APR), Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans/Tanzania), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Jean Claude Zagabe (Mukura), Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali). editorial@newtimes.co.rw