The name Patrick Umwengeri may sound new to many, especially if you are not a regular on stadiums in the Azam Rwanda Premier League.

But the center-back is already regarded as one of the finest defenders in the country, thanks to his leadership and skillful play in the heart of Police FC.

Football has not always been his favorite sport, neither had it ever crossed his mind he would play it on a professional level until 2010, when he got a call up in the national U17 Amavubi starlets – barely at the age of 16.

At the time, the youngster was the captain of SEC Academy in the second division league.

The 23-year old is from the football generation of former teammate at SEC Academy Salomon Nirisarike (now based in Belgium), Police FC teammates Muhammad Mushiyimana and Isaie Songa as well as AS Kigali’s Janvier Mutijima, to mention but a few.

Saturday Sports’ Damas Sikubwabo had a chat with the Police FC skipper this week, during which he explored his footballing journey and career ambitions.

Who is Umwungeri?

Born on July 12, 1994 to Marie Jose Mukamuhigirwa (RIP) and Jules Habimana, in Kayonza District, Umwungeri is the sole child from the couple.

He attended Kabarondo Primary School in Kayonza District, went to College George Fox de Kagarama for high school, first O’level from 2007 to 2009 before majoring in History-Economics-Geography (HEG) in A’level at the same school, where he completed in 2012.

The soft spoken defender is a graduate from the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) – with a Bachelor’s Degree in Travel and Tourism Management (TTM).

Football idols

The Police skipper regards late Hamad ‘Katauti’ Ndikumana, former Rayon Sports captain and assistant coach, as the legend who inspired him the most as a defender and leader on the pitch. On global scene, he looks up to FC Barcelona and Spain a center-back, Gerard Piqué.

Early days

Before taking up football as his major in sports, Umwengeri was first involved in karate and volleyball until 2009, when he put both disciplines aside to focus on the beautiful game.

"Football was never my business until 2008. Before joining football, I played karate and a bit of volleyball. All that changed when I found myself in a school that only had a football team and I was obliged to join in,” Umwungeri told Saturday Sport.

Nearly a year after devoting himself to football and shining in inter-schools competitions, his talent caught the attention of many before he was invited to join Kicukiro-based SEC Academy.

He has Andre Casa Mbungo (current SC Kiyovu coach) to thank for scouting him in 2009. At the time, Mbungo was the head trainer at the football academy.

Early career

The vastly talented and gifted leader Umwungeri was part of the U17 Amavubi Starlets golden generation that reached the final of the 2011 Africa U17 Cup of Nations (U17 AfCON) in Kigali and qualified for the FIFA U19 World Cup in Mexico.

But he was forced out of the squad that made it to Mexico to play in the finals by a knee injury.

The former SEC Academy star also featured for the national junior team (U20) in various competitions but is yet to receive a maiden international cap in the senior national team.

In club football, Umwungeri served SEC Academy for three seasons before joining SC Kiyovu in the topflight league – in 2011.

League career

To date, the central defender has plied his trade with three different sides in the Azam Rwanda Premier League; Kiyovu, AS Kigali and Police. At each of the three, he has always been an indispensable player.

Kiyovu

In 2011, at the age of 17, Umwungeri was signed by SC Kiyovu, making him one of the youngest players to ever play for the Nyamirambo-based side in the topflight league.

However, he was at the club for only one season, in which he helped the green baggies to finish fifth in the league and reach quarter-finals in the annual Peace Cup tournament.

AS Kigali

After a stellar debut season in the topflight league with SC Kiyovu, Umwungeri was taken by AS Kigali on a two-year contract. In his first year with the City of Kigali-sponsored side, he guided the club to their first major title in ten years – the Peace Cup 2013.

Then under coach Casa Mbungo, AS Kigali thrashed AS Muhanga 3-0 in the final to win the country’s second biggest football tournament.

He also played continental football in the CAF Confederation Cup with AS Kigali but were eliminated in the second round after losing 3-0 to Morocco’s Difaâ Hassani D’el Jadida.

Police FC

After three impressive seasons with AS Kigali, Umwungeri rejoined (for a third time) tactician Casa Mbungo at Police FC. Coach Mbungo had joined the club the previous season.

It did not take long for Umwungeri to adapt as he immediately earned a regular place in the starting line-up before going on to help Police win the Peace Cup title in 2016 after beating arch-rivals Rayon Sports 1-0 in the final.

In a spell of weeks, he also led the law enforcers to a triumphant Agaciro Cup– beating Sunrise FC, 1-0, in the final to win the tournament.

After three years at the club, Umwungeri still has one year left on his contract with Police and says he would be happy to discuss contract renewal when the right time comes.

Best and worst moments of his career

The celebrated defender considers the surprise call up to play for the U17 national team, in 2010, as the best thing that ever happened him in football.

The worst of his career came in 2011 when he sustained an injury while in preparations for the U17 World Cup, which up to now he thinks would have been the biggest highlight of his career.

Future plans

"Before I hang up my boots, I want to have enjoyed football on a professional level – preferable in Europe – and being a regular in Amavubi. This is my dream.”

Note of appreciation

When asked who has been his main support system in his career, the visibly calm defender said a lot of people have supported him throughout his pursuit for professional football but singled out coach Casa Mbungo, former U17 national team coach Richard Tardy, AS Kigali coach Eric Nshimiyimana and SEC Academy owner Augustin Munyandamutsa.

Advice to youngsters

The former AS Kigali central defender’s advice to youngsters is to be disciplined, hardworking, open to learning and goal-oriented.

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