Tuyisenge breathes attacking prowess into Amavubi squad

Sunday Group H Mozambique vs Rwanda 2:50pm SS3 Ghana vs Mauritius 5:15pm SS3 Following an outstanding performance during the Commemoration Cup over the weekend, Police FC forward Jacques Tuyisenge has been described by Amavubi coach Johnny McKinstry as a “great” addition to the team’s attacking options. Rwanda is preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group H opening qualifier against Mozambique on the weekend of June 13-14 in Maputo. Tuyisenge, who can play as a striker as well as on the right wing, has been praised by McKinstry, saying he brings a physical presence to the side- providing yet another attacking option to fully balance the national side. The Irishman said, “This is the first time I have worked with Jacques because previously when I took over in March, he was injured. He has done well and has a physical presence and good control on the ball. He is natural on the ball and can play as a striker.” “He gives us good attacking options and a lot more depth with the senior team. It is great to have a striker on both wings in our attacking unit. We’ve got a lot of experience not only in the first choice but also our second choice options which offers something different not one type of player.” On the left wing, the experienced Jean Claude Iranzi or youngster Patrick Sibomana and the addition of Gor Mahia’s Abouba Sibomana or Eric Rutanga at left back provide creativity and quality crosses into the penalty box just like Michel Rusheshangoga at right back. However, McKinstry has to deal with a selection headache on who will be his main striker, from Ernest Sugira, Michel Ndahinduka and Isaie Songa who bring different aspects to the team. “Ernest is big so he brings a physical presence to the team and he also occupies the defenders very well. In Michel and Isaie, their movement troubles defenders but we shall make that decision as the week goes on depending on the form between them,” explained the former Sierra Leone coach. McKinstry explained further that, “It also depends on how we want to play, if we want to be a lot more direct then we shall play Ernest because he runs between the lines, so it depends.” The 29-year-old tactician also revealed that he will not be playing Amavubi captain Haruna Niyonzima as a box-to-box midfielder but rather close to the striker considering his quality. “Haruna has the ability to take on opposition and get the ball and shoot. We want him in the attacking half of the field to conserve his energy and have him in the areas he can be dangerous in.” Meanwhile, France-based Elias Uzamukunda will not honour the call-up to feature for the Amavubi this weekend, while Kenya-based Sibomana arrived yesterday.

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Tuyisenge breathes attacking prowess into Amavubi squad