Nshimiyimana names squad for Mali

2014 World Cup qualifiersJune 9Mali vs. RwandaJune 16Rwanda vs. AlgeriaAMAVUBI coach Eric Nshimiyimana has named a 26-man squad that will begin camp on Sunday to prepare for the Group H 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Mali away in Bamako on June 9.Addressing a news conference yesterday at Ferwafa house in Remera, Nshimiyimana who was appointed head coach last month replacing his former boss and current Uganda Cranes coach Sredojovic Milutin Micho named a squad of 21 players from the domestic league and five foreign based players.“We have spent a month following players playing in the Primus league and we will solely field local players because we want to have as many of them getting the needed exposure ahead of the CHAN finals in 2016.”“The country’s policy is to give a chance to Rwandan players and for two or three years, we will stop relying fully on professional players but put emphasis on identifying potential players plying their trade in local first and second division leagues.”“We need to implement the objective of being able to have a good and solid team in future.There is need to give them exposure in a bid to gain experience and confidence and have a wide pool of local players to rely on. ”“However, this will not stop Amavubi from meeting its target which is to win every match as it comes by. We are going to Mali for a positive result though we still have nothing to fight for in as far as qualifying for next year’s World Cup final is concerned,” added Nshimiyimana.Maiden appearancesThe players who will be making their maiden debut in Amavubi team include; Isonga goal keeper Steven Ntalibi who was with the Under 17 which participated in the 2011 World Cup finals in Mexico, midfielder Muhamed Mushimiyimana [AS Kigali] and striker Michel Ndahinduka [Bugesera].Professional playersAmavubi skipper Olivier Karekezi [CA Bizertin], Solomon Nirisarike [Antweerp], Elias Uzamukunda [AS Cannes] and Young Africans duo of Mbuyu Twite and Haruna Niyonzima are the only professional players that have been summoned for the return World Cup qualifying leg against Mali.Players snubbedMajor omissions from the Amavubi squad despite performing impressively for their clubs of recent include defensive and Cyprus-based Edwin Ouon [AEL Limassol], Kalisa Mao [TP Mazembe], Dady Birori [AS Vita], Djamal Mwiseneza [Rayon Sport], Maxime Sekamana [APR] and Gabriel Mugabo [Mukura]Chances blownIn March, Amavubi blew up their chances of qualifying to the second round of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign following a 2-1 loss to the Eagles of Mali.Meddie Kagere put the hosts ahead in the first half before the lead was cancelled through Abdou Traore with Samassa Mamahadou snatching the winner. This disappointing loss, coupled with a loss against Algeria and a draw against Benin, meant that Rwanda was out of the running for Brazil.The impressive victory put the Eagles in second position tied on six points with leaders Algeria in Group H, and boosting their bid to travel to Brazil next year. Rwanda lies bottom of the standings with one point with three matches remaining to the end of the qualifying campaign. The matches include two away matches against Mali and Benin and a home tie against Algeria.Goalkeepers: Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Gerard Bikorimana (Rayon Sport), Steven Ntaribi (Isonga), Evariste Mutuyimana (Police)Defenders: Salomon Nirisarike (Royal Antwerp), Mbuyu Twite alias Mbuyu Twite [Yanga], Emery Bayisenge (APR), Jean Bosco Ngaboyisibo (APR), Abouba Sibomana (Rayon Sport), Faustin Usengimana (Rayon Sport), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Ismail Nshutiyamagara (APR)Midfielders: Fabrice Twagizimana (Police), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Tumaine Ntamuhanga (APR), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Mouhamed Mushimiyimana (AS Kigali), Andrew Buteera (APR), Niyonzima Haruna (Yanga), Patrick Sibomana (Isonga), Aphrodis Hategekimana (Rayon Sport)Strikers: Olivier Karekezi Fils (AC Bizertin), Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes), Meddie Kagere (Police), Peter Kagabo (Police), Michel Ndahinduka (Bugesera)

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Nshimiyimana names squad for Mali