Karekezi, Mafisango key to Amavubi cause

If Tucak Blanko can manage to get the best out of both Olivier Karekezi and Patrick Mafisango in today’s 2010 WC/CAN group eight qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, an away point wouldn’t be a bad result. Amavubi Stars fans are used to anti-climaxes so perhaps we should not be surprised by the outcome of today’s game in which the whole nation is hoping that Tucak and his men can maintain their good start to the grueling campaign. As ever, big things are expected from the national team as they look to build on the encouraging start that saw Mauritania thrashed 3-0 in Kigali last weekend. Big moves made, ‘exciting’ names like Hamad Ndikumana, Bobo Bola, Fritz Emeran, Saidi Abedi, Labama Bokota, Karekezi arriving and the gradual construction of a squad which will be able to compete with the best on the continent. But before we see what tomorrow may or may not bring from the current team, the foundation which was build against Mauritania must be strengthened this afternoon with a solid performance—a point is possible and a win will be bonus, nonetheless, the players must fight to avoid defeat. Against Mauritania, Blanko’s team, under minimal pressure exposed themselves at the back on a number of occasions; the midfield was lacking coherence while the strikers lacked coordination. We all know Karekezi can play a lot better than he did in that game. On his day, the Norway based striker, who can also play well in the midfield, can take the game by the scuff, unfortunately against Mauritania he didn’t. That’s why, as captain, to make up for his minimal contribution in the 3-0 win, he must step up his game by a gear or two in today’s match against a talented Ethiopian team that enjoys an impressive record against Rwanda. If the former APR star can play to full potential, something he can only do playing behind the main strikers and Blanko allows Mafisango to roam forward a little more. Amavubi have a chance of getting something out of the game—it may not be a point but a goal or two plus credit for putting on a solid performance. Apart from Haruna Niyonzima, who apparently has lost his place on the team, Mafisango is the best midfield option available; therefore, the coach must make better use of him, the sooner the better, if he can do that this afternoon, very much to his advantage, I supposed. Against Mauritania, you could see there was a huge gap being left between the defence and the striking line, if Blanko is going to take that system into today’s game, expect a beating—not a 3-0 or anything like that but something like 1-0 or 2-1. I don’t know whether it’s poor form or injuries or a mixture of both, but Blanko must realize the need to have Haruna back into the picture and in my opinion, the only way the coach can manage that is to have faith young man’s ability as well as giving him his confidence back. During the last campaign, Karekezi and Haruna were the team’s overriding force, when they played well, the team played well too and vice versa. Under Blanko, Haruna has not only lost his place on the team but his confidence yet just a year ago, the entire nation singing his name with several reports of European scouts going head over heels in pursuit of Rwanda’s next star. Italy can emulate France With Euro 2008 having started yesterday in Austria and Switzerland, Italy can emulate France in 1998 and 2000 by completing a World Cup and European Championship double. The world champions are one of the tournament favourites and with their experienced squad, probably the oldest of the 16 finalists, are bidding to add the European title to their collection. Unfortunately, an ankle injury has ruled out skipper Fabio Cannavaro, which means coach Roberto Donadoni must find a suitable replacement for someone to partner Inter Milan’s Marco Materazzi at centre-back. Though Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta have retired from international duty, the Azzurri still boast the most experienced squad full of big tournament winners, who I am sure must have kissed or hugged of something a sort to their world cup medals before departing for the European championship. Germany, Portugal, Spain must not be overlooked as countries capable of dethroning Greece as European champions—Michael Ballack, Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. With fine ball-players like Xavi, Fabregas and Andres Iniesta and world-class strikers in Fernando Torres and David Villa, few teams can match Spain’s individual brilliance, but putting it all together at a big tournament has long been Spain’s problem. Much will depend on Fabregas, who was running on empty at the end of last season and has never quite produced his Arsenal form for his country. Ends