McKinstry summons Europe-based duo ahead of Somalia tie

Caf U-23 qualifier (April 25) Rwanda vs Somalia Amavubi head coach Johnny McKinstry has summoned two foreign-based Rwandan players ahead of preparations for the CAF U-23 qualifier against Somalia on April 25 in Kigali. The two are among the 24-man provisional squad. Belgium based Salomon Nirisarike, who plies his trade with second division side VV St. Truiden, returns to the national team fold for the first time since he was selected to the Amavubi provisional squad to face Libya in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in May 2014, but did not honour the call up as he was in the middle of a transfer from his former club Royal Antwerp. In the squad too is Italy-based Bonfils Kabanda who features for ASD Sangiovannese in the fourth division with the attacking midfielder returning to the national team after over two years. Kabanda is remembered for his crucial role in helping Rwanda reach the final of the 2011 CAF Africa U-17 championship that was held in Rwanda losing to Burkina Faso 2-1. The Junior Wasps had however already qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. McKinstry said, “I think we are trying to get a lot of experience into the national teams by bringing two or three players for now, players who have been around. They are young and playing in Europe and that works for us. People think it is easy to make it to Europe but they still have to work to make it to the professional ranks.” “So we want to see how they fit in with the overall group and ultimately if they have a good chance to come in again in the future for the Amavubi and see if they can cement a place in the team. I have spoken to them and I am looking forward to seeing them in training next week,” McKinstry said. The pair is involved in league matches in their respective clubs this weekend and are expected to jet in on Monday evening ready to attend their first training sessions on Tuesday morning. McKinstry has also named central defender Faustin Usengimana to the squad with the youngster returning to the national team fold for the first time since September 2013 when Amavubi lost 2-0 to Benin in Porto Novo in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 22-year-old scored twice for the Junior Wasps in the CAF Africa U-17 championship ultimately helping Rwanda qualify for the Mexico event. He scored Rwanda’s first tournament goal, a superb strike in the 2-1 win against Burkina Faso in the opening group stage game before his lone strike secured an all important win against Egypt in the second tie to grant a historic place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, following the suspension of Amavubi assistant coach Vincent Mashami and goalkeeping coach Ibrahim Mugisha for violent conduct during APR’s 1-0 defeat to Espoir, McKinstry will be assisted by former Rayon Sports assistant coach Thierry Hitimana while former Amavubi goal keeper coach Thomas Higiro will be in charge of the goalkeepers. The team will assemble in residential camp on Sunday evening at La Palisse Nyandungu and will commence training on Monday morning ahead of the game scheduled for April 25 at Amahoro stadium. The return leg will be played in Nairobi on May 9. Should Rwanda overcome Somalia, they will face Uganda in the first round and the winner will meet Egypt. The winning side will then qualify for the 2015 CAF U-23 championship scheduled for December 5-19 in Senegal after Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew from hosting the quadrennial event. A total of eight teams will play this tournament. Goalkeepers: Olivier Kwizera (APR), Marcel Nzarora (Police), Yves Kimenyi (APR) Defenders: Emery Bayisenge (APR, Faustin Usengimana (Rayon Sports), Herve Rugwiro (APR), Solomon Nirisarike (VV St. Truiden, Belgium), Janvier Mutijima (AS Kigali), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Rayon Sports). Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana (Rayon Sports), Andrew Buteera (APR), Robert Ndatimana (Rayon Sports), Yannick Mukunzi (APR), Bonfils Kabanda (ASD Sangiovannese – Italy), Kevin Muhire (Isonga) Forwards: Justin Mico (AS Kigali), Savio Dominique Nshuti (Isonga), Jean Marie Muvandimwe (Gicumbi), Isaie Songa (AS Kigali), Isaac Muganza (Rayon Sport), Bertrand Iradukunda (APR), Bienvenue Mugenzi (Marines).