Amavubi trip to Scotland delayed

Rwanda national football team’s proposed two-week long training camp in Scotland that was initially supposed to start on August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland appears to be in jeopardy due to delays in acquiring visas. Amavubi were initially set to head to Scotland on Sunday, August 2 but the trip was postponed indefinitely. And, according to Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) secretary general Olivier Mulindahabi, the team is ready to make the trip as soon as the visa issue has been solved. Mulindahabi is hopeful the visas should be secured before the end of the week. “If all goes well, the team will have departed by Sunday, we are expecting the visas from the UK High Commission in Kigali by Friday latest. The delay won’t affect anything; the team will train for two weeks as initially planned.” He said that the organisers of the training camp, who include East Lothian Council, Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee as well as the Ministry of Sports and Culture, are working closely with the UK High Commission to ensure the delegation secures visas the earliest possible. Meanwhile, Amavubi Stars head coach Johnny McKinstry, who is already in Glasgow to prepare for the team’s arrival, has named the final 26-man squad that will travel to his homeland for friendly matches. The training camp is aimed at preparing the team for next month’s Africa Nations Cup Group H qualifier against Ghana on September 5 in Kigali as well as the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) slated to run from January 16 through February 7 in Rwanda. While in Scotland, Amavubi will face Edinburg University Select XI and Patrick Thistle Select XI. 26-player squad: Goalkeepers: Eric Ndayishimiye (Rayon), Olivier Kwizera (APR), Jean Claude Ndori (APR) and Marcel Nzarora (Police) Defenders: Faustin Usengimana (Rayon), Herve Rugwiro (APR), Amani Uwiringiyimana (Police), Ismael Nshutiyamagara (APR), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Fitina Omborenga (SC Kiyovu), Eric Rutanga (APR) and Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura). Midfielders: Imran Nshimiyimana (Police), Yannick Mukunzi (APR), Djihad Bizimana (APR), Mohammed Mushimiyimana (Police), Kevin Muhire (Rayon), Andrew Butera (APR), Patrick Sibomana (APR), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Jacques Tuyisenge (Police) and Dominique Savio Nshuti (Rayon) Forwards: Isaie Songa (Police), Issa Bigirimana (APR), Michel Ndahinduka (APR) and Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali). editorial@newtimes.co.rw