Katauti snubs Amavubi

THE former national football team skipper, Hamad Ndikumana commonly known as Katauti, has come out to clear the air on his anticipated return to the Amavubi squad.In an interview with Times Sports yesterday, the former team captain said he is focused on giving his best to Rayon Sports in the remaining matches of the national league and Peace Cup competitions.“I am now thinking about my input to Rayon Sports. I don’t have plans for the national team.”“My mind is set on what I can give to my club and how best I can help them compete in any of next year’s African club competitions,”“The national team issue will come later but not at this stage,” said Ndikumana, who has hailed Rwandan league for its competitiveness.“There is a lot of competition and there is no small team here anymore. The league is tight and different from previous years and I believe this is a good thing for the development of football in Rwanda,” added Ndikumana, who made his second Rayon debut, last week, against Marines since returning from the paid ranks in Europe.Katauti signed a short-term contract in February after he was released by Cyprus’ APOP Kinyras Peyias early this year.Katauti, who is in his second spell at Rayon, featured for the blues from 1998-99 also played for Anorthosis, KV Mechelen, Apop Kinyras Petias, Nea Salamina and KAA Gent.With 51 appearances for Rwanda, he is one of the most capped Amavubi players and is eager to build on that number under new Amavubi coach Milutin Sredojovic Micho.Micho reckons that the player can force his way back into the team if he hits top form.Despite overlooking him for this month’s 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria, Micho is giving Katauti every chance to feature in the near future and adding to his current tally of 51 caps.“He is one of the most experienced players around and, at this level, you need plenty of it (experience) so we hope he hits top form at Rayon,” Micho noted.Katauti is best remembered for manning Amavubi’s defence as Rwanda qualified for her maiden African Nations Cup in Tunisia back in 2004.His last match in national colours was a 2006 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Angola.