Junior wasp’s future looks bright

Though the junior wasps have not qualified for next round like many other African representatives at the under-17 youth world cup in Mexico, there display against Uruguay was very promising and encouraging. Uruguay is one of the favourites at this year’s under-17 world cup but the junior wasps took them for a 90-minute battle before conceding a last minute goal. There misfortune started with the loss to England as they have enrolled for such a big world event for the first time. Against Uruguay, the junior wasps displayed the best performance by any African representative thus far in Mexico. There is also a clear indication that if the pace of youth development is maintained, then Rwanda can go on to become a big force on the African continent. Rwanda went into the tournament as under dogs but there efforts have been appreciated by many across the world. During their opening fixture against England, not very many gave the junior wasps any chance but they held on and went into halt-time scoreless. England managed to score late goals as they proved superior in terms of experience. Of course most of European footballers get exposure to competitions as early as 12-years old as compared to our youngsters natured from Nyamirambo, Remera, Kicukiro suburbs. Coach Richard Tardy should be praised for his adequate knowledge in youth football and particularly making a success story in Rwandan football. Tardy arrived when many European based and trained tactician had failed on several occasions to form concrete youth national team. Though he came when many people, clubs and authorities had realized the importance of youth soccer development, worked hard to up lift the standard of youth training as well as creating a favorable environment for talented youngsters. Today’s junior wasps comprise of youngsters from local academies as well as those that have been natured abroad. Their performance at the world youth event in Mexico will enlighten our people and clubs the maximum effect of youth development programs. The people in charge should realize the urgent need to invest heavily and seriously in youth soccer development programs if we are to become regular representatives at major events. Local clubs should realize the importance of professionally run soccer academies if they are to thrive. The legacy of a club or any sports company is to have a big number of aging, maturing and developing players. This is the only factor in modern sports arena you expect to have long lasting positive results. This is also the reason why many African teams have not qualified for major events. Junior wasps have players with an admirable level of professionalism. The likes of Andrew Buteera and defender Faustin Usengimana among others are very good. However, Buteera needs to work on his shooting ability; he is very imaginative and possesses great football skills and leadership. He is the future national team goal hunter along with his comrades in the current junior side. At this level the basic requirement from the junior side is discipline so that they can keep playing at the top level. The current junior wasps look solid and promising in all departments and future looks bright for them. But only time will tell josephmunich06@yahoo.co.uk