Tipped as the 'next big thing' in Rwandan football, two-footed Dominique Savio Nshuti possesses exceptional passing and dribbling skills as well as the speed to cause havoc to any defence for both club and country.

The Rayon Sports star plays as a left or right winger, and has excelled in his first season since his transfer from Isonga FC, which has seen him earn a place on Amavubi team. He is also the captain of the U20 national team.

However, whether he goes on to fulfill the raw talent and potential that he posses, remains to be seen, but one certain thing is that at just 18-years, Nshuti is a talented footballer any coach would dream to mould into a global star.

Who is Nshuti?

Born on October 10, 1997 in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge District, City of Kigali, to Jean-Baptiste Haguminshuti (R.I.P) and Seraphine Mukamugwiza, Nshuti is the last born and the only boy in the family of three siblings.

The light-skinned Nshuti is a fan of European giants, Manchester United and Real Madrid and looks up to Argentina international Ángel Di María, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

He attended Intwari Primary School in Biryogo, a Kigali suburb for his primary education before joining Groupe Scolaire Kimisagara in secondary where he studied for two years before moving to Groupe Scolaire Akumunigo where he finished his Ordinary Level.

He later joined Groupe Scolaire APE Rugunga for Advanced Level, where he is studying History, Economics and Geography (HEG) and he is set to sit for his final senior six exams later this year.

Early days

The rising star was born and raised in Mumena, near the famous Mumena Stadium, home of league side, SC Kiyovu.

Nshuti says that, growing up in a football-loving neighborhood, attracted him to the beautiful game at a very tender age, and since then, his life has been about playing football.

"I started playing football when I was about six years, I remember, together with my friends, we would go to watch the training sessions of Kiyovu FC and after the training, we would invade the pitch and start to play,” he told Saturday Sport in an exclusive interview.

However, as the only son in the family, Nshuti’s parents never graced the idea of him spending much time playing football instead of focusing on his education.

But with time, his parents appreciated his talent and would allow him time after school to go and play, after all, the stadium where he played from, was just a stone-throw away from their home.

In 2009, Godfroid Okoko, the current head of national league outfit, Mukura Victory Sports, who was then the coach of SC Kiyovu, spotted Nshuti playing at the pitch along with Kiyovu’s rising star Yamin Salum and started to train them. However, it only lasted for a few months.

"Actually I started as a goal keeper and it was my favorite position although sometimes I would also play as an attacker,” the young Rwanda international reveals.

Towards the end of 2009, he recalls, SC Kiyovu began an academy, which he joined as their goalkeeper but after four months, he couldn’t get time to play due to tight competition from other ‘better’ goalkeepers in the team.

He explained that, "One day, I asked coach Saidi, if I could start playing up field instead which he agreed to and I started playing as a left back. A few months later, I was pushed further forward to play as left winger.”

In 2013, while in senior three, Nshuti reached the final of U-17 Copa Coca Cola while playing for Nyarugenge-based Akumunigo but lost 2-1 against Rubavu-based Anglican SS.

Nshuti together with Mustafa Nsengiyumva from Anglican SS (who also currently plays for Rayon Sports), were selected as the two best of the Championship. As a reward, the duo attended a one-week Copa Coca Cola football stars training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

Upon return, the two youngsters were signed by Yves Rwasamanzi, who was the head coach Isonga FC—Nshuti played for the youthful side until 2015 when he joined Rayon Sports.

"After coming from South Africa I was determined to develop my talent. The one week we spent there, helped me to learn more and improve.”

Playing career

In September 2015, after impressing with Isonga FC in the previous season in which the club was relegated to second division, the skilled winger attracted the attention of several topflight clubs including SC Kiyovu and Rayon Sports.

Consequently, Rayon Sports won his signature and he penned a two-year contract that kept him at the country’s most supported football club until the end of 2016/17 season.

Amazingly, the 18-year-old didn’t take long to settle in, and has gained fame for his spectacular dribbles and speed. These attributes have also earned him a place in the starting team whenever he is fit enough to play—this says a lot about his potential to turn into a top player.

On top of creating countless goals for the forwards, Nshuti has chipped in with five goals this season, helping his team to stay in the race for both league and Peace Cup. Rayon Sports are second in the league, behind leaders APR and are in the semi-finals of the Peace Cup.

Asked if he thinks his career is taking the right direction, the teenager said, "Yeah, I think I am going in the right direction, first I am very happy at Rayon Sports, and I am improving day after day.”

National duty

Nshuti was handed his maiden international cap by the current Amavubi coach Johnny McKinstry on April 25, 2015 against Somalia in the African U23 Championship qualifiers first round clash that was staged at Amahoro Stadium, ending 2-1 in favor of Rwanda.

"I can’t actually recall the total number of games I have featured in for the national team since my debut because I have also played for the senior team in CHAN.”

Future plans and ambitions

"My goal is to play professional football, preferably in Europe, I don’t know where God will take me but my wish is to play at the top level before I retire,” he noted.

He is full of praises for coach Okoko, who was the first professional coach to spot his talent, He also cites coach Yves (Rwasamanzi), as the man who nurtured him at Isonga FC-adding that it’s because of his good coaching that Nshuti was able to join a big club.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw