The national football team is at a critical juncture regarding the head coach position. German tactician Frank Spittler's contract expired on December 31, 2024, and while negotiations for an extension are ongoing, there is a concerning possibility that FERWAFA may part ways with him. Given the short history of Spittler’s tenure and his positive impact, the decision to retain him could be the turning point Rwanda’s football needs. Spittler took charge of Amavubi in November 2023, inheriting a team that had not won an international match in over two years and was very low on confidence and morale. He took over barely two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and in his first two matches, Rwanda drew goalless against Zimbabwe and beat South Africa 2-0. Rwanda also beat Nigeria 2-1 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match which was a surprise upset for Nigeria. However, owing to a better goal difference, Benin qualified at the expense of Rwanda, joining Nigeria as the two teams that made it from the group. While Rwanda fell short of qualification for the tournament, the team’s campaign was far from a failure. Since Spittler took over, Amavubi has shown tangible improvement. In the 14 matches played under his leadership, the team won six, drew four, and lost four, scoring 13 goals and conceding just nine. These statistics are a testament to the German tactician’s work to strengthen the team defensively while creating more scoring opportunities. His tactical acumen was also evident in Amavubi's strong start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they currently sit atop the group. Spittler has not only revived the team but has also brought consistency to its performances. The question then arises: Why would Rwanda even consider parting ways with a coach who has delivered such results in such a short time? The answer may lie in the country’s troubling history with coach turnover. FERWAFA has a pattern of hiring and firing coaches with little regard for long-term planning, often leading to instability and a lack of progress. An easy example of such an argument is Rwanda’s last appearance at AFCON in 2004, under Serbian coach Ratomir Dujković. The success took four years to materialise. Ratomir took over in 2001 and left in 2004 immediately after guiding Rwanda to their first ever AFCON finals tournament. Results in international football rarely come overnight, and continuity is often the key to sustained success. For Amavubi, the benefits of keeping a coach who is building a competitive team are clear. Spittler has demonstrated an ability to build cohesion within the squad, improve individual players, and make tough decisions for the collective good. Letting him go after just one year would represent a step backward in a process that is still unfolding. Is this so hard for FERWAFA president Alphonse Munyantwali to understand? Rwanda’s football community has suffered enough from this “hire and fire” culture, and there is a real danger that starting over with yet another new coach could set the national team back even further. The effects of constant coaching changes are well-documented in football. Inconsistent leadership creates instability, prevents players from adapting to a clear tactical system, and discourages long-term planning. Each new coach brings their own philosophy and methods, which take time to implement. When these efforts are cut short by premature sacking, it becomes difficult for a team to develop any sense of identity or cohesion. This has been the case with Amavubi in the past, where changes in leadership have hindered the team’s ability to grow and succeed. This tendency has to stop or else we forget about building a team good enough to compete consistently at the top level of African football. Spittler, though not well tested at this level, his appointment was a step in the right direction after the exit of Spaniard Carlos Alos Ferrer, who left to take over the Belarus national team. He has shown that he can improve the team and get results in international competitions, something the team had been lacking for years. But his contract situation highlights a larger issue within Rwandan football: a lack of patience and long-term vision. While it is understandable that some might expect immediate results, the reality is that building a competitive team takes time. Spittler has earned the opportunity to continue his work. The most glaring example of the failure of short-term coaching appointments can be seen in Rwanda’s recent failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. Whereas it is disappointing, the narrow margin by which they missed out—on goal difference—suggests that a more stable environment could have made the difference. A coach who has time to develop his ideas and build a team will not only produce better results but will also instill confidence in the players and fans alike. History teaches us that short-term fixes don't always lead to the desired success. In football, as in any other field, consistency and continuity are essential for progress. Coaches need time to develop their tactics, integrate new players, and build a cohesive team. Amavubi's future could be much brighter under Spittler, but for that to happen, the country’s football authorities must show faith in his abilities and allow him the time to continue his work. The consequences of hiring and firing coaches regularly are clear: instability, stagnation, and a lack of growth. Rwanda cannot afford to make this mistake again. Retaining Spittler would not just be the right decision for the team; it would be a crucial step in building a stronger, more competitive Amavubi squad for the future. And this time, prayer is that the people who make that decision don't mess up and miss the opportunity to make the right decision. After all, the best decisions are made by using both the heart and the head. The heart represents your emotions and values, while the head represents logic and reason.
