Local football governing body ( FERWAFA) president Alphonse Munyantwali is confident that more players of Rwandan decent will be keen to play for the Amavubi considering the country’s impressive form. Amavubi have had a blistering start to the 2026 World Cup Africa qualifiers as they lead Group C comprising Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe after four rounds of games. US-based attacking midfielder Jojea Kwizera scored on his first start in Amavubi shirt as Rwanda beat Lesotho 1-0 in Durban on June 11 and Munyantwali is confident that Amavubi's recent output coupled with good infrastructure can now attract many players to opt for the nation. ALSO READ: WC 2026 Qualifiers: Kwizera's strike sinks Lesotho as Rwanda retain top spot It is much easier to convince Rwandan players based in Europe and the United States to play for the national team when the country is doing well, Munyantwali told the press. Previously, some may even hesitate to come because of the state of infrastructures which may make them suffer injuries. So we hope these victories, plus these good infrastructures, make it easier to hook them up. It also motivates football fans to go to the stadium in big numbers.” Munyantwali further stressed that Amavubi's recent victories will inspire young footballers to aim higher and achieve success in the future. Children, too, feel the need to play football, especially when the national team is winning, he added. Rwanda now has a refurbished 45,000 Capacity Amahor Stadium which the country will use when the World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025. In relation to players of Rwandan heritage born abroad, the country has a pool including Noam Emeran of FC Groningen, Warren Kamanzi of Toulouse, Joel Mugisha of Young Boys SC and a host of others yet to be capped internationally at senior level. With consistency in performing well in international level, Munyantwali hopes to see more Rwandan players based abroad joining the national team.
