Standing on a big frame of 6 feet 5 inches (1.95cm), Gorilla FC midfielder Hesbon Rutonesha is among the players who are most familiar with the Rwanda Premier League. The rising star midfielder is having a bright start to life at Gorilla FC where he has formed a compact bond with skipper Victor Murdah in the midfield. The two have been very influential for the “surprise package” club currently sitting second on Rwanda Premier League standings with 15 points from nine games. Times Sport caught up with Rutonesha who took us through his journey, Amavubi and career aspirations among others. Excerpts: Tell us about yourself My name is Hesbon Rutonesha. I was born on February 24, 2002 in Ngoma District. I play for Gorilla FC and I am a strong believer in God. How did your career start? Actually, it started from my childhood. Mostly, I was playing street football before Amizero Academy signed me. From there, I moved to Isonga then to Gorilla FC which I left for Police FC and now, I am back to Gorilla FC. Tell us about your time at Police FC It was not bad. I joined them in January 2023 after a sterling performance at Gorilla FC. That half season at Police FC is among my best performances so far. Unfortunately, I got injured. Which player inspires you? I like Thomas Partey of Arsenal. He is a great midfielder and I learn a lot from his game. If you hadn't been a footballer what profession would you have taken up? I would have become a lawyer because I have a degree in law. Maybe in the future if I retire I will go and practice law. ALSO READ: Rutonesha joins Police FC Were there people in your neighborhood who pushed your football career? I was born in the District of Ngoma. People in my village were not supportive, but now everyone is proud of me. How was your general upbringing growing up? In my family, we have 9 children, 5 girls and 4 boys. We grew together with lovely parents and they raised us with discipline and joy. My family means everything to me because they are the ones who give me motivation in my football career. What are your career aspirations in football? I want to be a top player in the world. I also want to feature in the top five leagues in the world. What’s your take on Rwanda Premier League and can Gorilla win it this season? I think there is a good chance and we can win it. The level of competition between the teams in the league right now is good. Over the years, it was between APR, Rayon and Kiyovu but now more teams have potential to win it. In the coming years, the Rwanda Premier League will be one of the best in Africa Have you been capped by Rwanda at any level? Yes, I have played for both the U17s and U23s and I am looking forward to making my senior national team debut soon. What’s the secret behind your current form at Gorilla FC? Gorilla FC are good and we are one of the teams which always play good football. We have a great team, there is unity, we play according to instructions and we are also very determined. Do you think Rwandacan qualify for the 2025 CHAN? AFCON? 2026 World Cup? I am very positive and I believe we have a good squad and a good coach to make it to all these competitions. You’ve been in top form for Gorilla since the start of the new season. Were you surprised you were overlooked in Amavubi squad for CHAN qualifiers? I wasn't upset for not getting a call up because my fitness wasn’t 100 percent. I started the season with injury but now I am fully fit. I do believe in God’s plan and if my time is coming, God will make it happen.
