Antwerp won’t release Nirisarike

BELGIUM club Antwerp has, for the second time, refused to release defender Salomon Nirisarike to play for the junior wasps against Mali in the return leg of the Africa Youth Championship qualifier.Nirisarike missed the first leg due to an injury which he sustained during his club’s pre-season tour in Netherlands. This time round the club’s refusal is based on the fact that they will be heading to Manchester in the United Kingdom for another pre-season tour where they are expected to play against the reserve team of Manchester United.Rwanda’s U-20 head coach Richard Tardy was hoping to have Nirisarike available to solve the defensive problems as he seeks to help Rwanda reach the final qualifying round. Rwanda leads 2-1 from the first leg played just over a week ago in Kigali.Antwerp’s refusal to release the player is reported to be supported by SEC Academy proprietor Augustin Munyandamutsa, who ‘owns’ Nirisarike. Well-placed sources told Times Sport recently that Munyandamutsa has convinced both the Ministry of Sports and Ferwafa to leave the 18-year old defender to concentrate on his club commitment as he seeks a permanent professional move.Another influential defender Faustin Usengimana is also expected to miss the return leg as he recovers from his hip injury.In their absence, Patrick Umwungeli, who scored the winner in the 2-1 victory, will again start alongside skipper Emery Bayisenge in the heart of defense.The winner between Rwanda and Mali will play either Lesotho or Zambia in the third and final qualifying round later this year. Algeria will host 2013 AYC and will be joined by seven qualified teams.