Footie for Christmas

Pro XI to play against , APR and Amavubi Friendly matchesPro XI vs APR Dec 26.Pro XI vs Amavubi Fourteen European based players and two officials arrived in the country last night. The team arrived aboard SN Brussels and will be residing at East Africa Hotel located in Kibagabaga, Kigali city. While in the country, the team will play two friendly matches, starting with a clash against Primus league champions APR on Saturday before winding the busy scheduled against the national team on Boxing Day. The players in the country include; Christian Ndolimana (White Star, Bel), Diallo Yacouba Kagabo (Courtai Fc), Steven Bedefroid (Charleroi), Cedric Ciza (Vise Fc), Eric Ndagano (Tournout Fc), Junior Marcus (Baronie V.V), Richard Bahalira (Baronie V.V), Jessy ReinDorf (Bologne Fc), Pyame Victor (Courtai Fc), Kabanda Bon Fils (As Nancy), Ndagano (Tournaout Fc) and Eliel Kubwimana (Walhain Fc). The pair of Henri Munyaneza (White Star, Bel) and Jean M. Rusingizandekwe (Marine, Bel) is expected to jet in today. The team will be managed by Le Bon Valentin and Desire Mbonabucya. According to Ferwafa officials, the purpose of these matches is for Amavubi Stars technical staff to take a look at the Europe based players and see if any of them makes the grade to play for the national team. Rwanda host Nigeria in the first leg on February 29, before Milutin Micho and his team fly to Abuja for the return leg on the weekend of June 15-17. The preliminary phase of the qualifiers will start with countries which failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup which kicks off January 21 in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Fifteen countries that make it through the preliminary round will be drawn against fifteen teams from the 2012 tournament. South Africa qualifies automatically as the host nation, after taking over from Libya, who will now organize the 2017 competition. All 16 teams who will compete in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon 2012 get a bye to the final round of qualifiers. bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw

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Footie for Christmas