Amavubi Stars could stun favourites Mali

This columnist has been tuning in on live sports radio programmes and reading print commentaries, especially in relation to our national team’s tricky away clash with Mali on Sunday. And of course, all were reserved on any likelihood of good results at the final whistle.It’s understandable; the low morale is premised on the fact that for a while our Wasps no longer sting. Moreover, the bitter truth is that we unfortunately feature in the ‘deadly group H’ alongside West African giants-Mali, Algeria and Benin.However, as underdogs, Amavubi stand a better chance; they are not on pressure like the opponents and the interim coach Eric Nshimiyimana has taken a strong squad which will be led by the inspirational striker and skipper Olivier Karekezi.Well, the coach downplayed our expectations saying: “We have nothing to fight for in terms of world cup qualification campaign but we still have our pride to play for… we want to build a good team for the future, a team which will be able to feature in the CHAN qualifiers.”I strongly believe football is often unpredictable. For instance, who knew that the likes of Egypt, Cameroun and Senegal would be humbled in the continental competitions for such a long time? How did Zambia rise to prominence? Who thought Zambia would humble the favourites Ivory Coast in CAN 2012?A medieval literature writer, William Shakespeare once said: “Expectation is the root of all heartache” and that: “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.”Interestingly, Nshimiyimana has twice won away matches as an interim coach in 2009, when he took over from Branko Tucak, making it to the final of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Nairobi, Kenya. And again in 2011 the former Amavubi midfielder coach replicated least expected results as an interim coach when Sellas Tetteh had tendered in a face-saving resignation, following the infamous 5-0 defeat to Ivory Coast at Amahoro Stadium. He guided the Wasps to a 0-1 win away in the last Africa Nations’ Cup qualifying match. Yes, Rwanda are five points adrift of the leaders Algeria and Sunday’s opponents, Mali, but a draw or maybe a surprise win can pro-long the fight. Such a surprise away win may mount a hell of pressure on Benin, Algeria and an inspiration for the Wasps.The recent appointment of Nshimiyimana has caused mixed reactions with pessimists saying there should have been competitive selection to get the best coach.Yet, the optimists strongly believe the 40-year-old guy has unique leadership qualities. I cannot bet on his coaching technique but he is no doubt, an exemplary leader. It is on record, his polite but articulate style of work has repeatedly attracted the attention of three of his former coaches before he hang his boots entrusting him the APR captaincy.Above all, he has deputised the last four or five foreign national coaches, giving him a measure of experience and confidence in the trade. I recently had a small chat with a Ferwafa insider, who told me the new coach surprised many, when none other than Baptiste Kayiranga became his automatic assistant. Why a surprise? Because Kayiranga was the assistant coach at a time the new boss was still Amavubi player! Well, the two may not have had cordial relations in their roles then but they must have appreciated each other’s career skills.To him, the task whether now or long-term is a huge challenge and an opportunity to showcase the career caliber at national level.An enviable female novelist, Joanne Rowling once said: “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”