World football governing body (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino has backed Jimmy Mulisa to push the Amputee Football of Rwanda to greater heights he was named ambassador of the sport in Rwanda.

Mulisa, 40, has been working closely with the local amputee football governing body for some time where he was giving advice on the implementation of various initiatives.

He was tasked to make the best out of the new responsibility in an effort to project the body’s activities both locally and internationally.

Mulisa’s appointment was welcomed by Infantino who, in his congratulatory message, expressed his confidence in the former Rwanda international to help amputee football reach its apex considering his unrivalled love for the sport.

"It's great to see the legendary Jimmy Mulisa, being appointed as the official ambassador for Amputee football in Rwanda," Infantino wrote on his Instagram account.

"The love and passion this group has for football is unmatched and it will grow further with Jimmy."

Mulisa is the founder of Umuri Foundation, a football development academy aimed at unearthing and giving young talents from vulnerable communities in Kigali and beyond.

The Rwandan legend was astonished by the encouraging words of the FIFA president and he has pledged to convince him to back his ideas on the development of amputee football when he gets a chance to him again.

"I was really surprised to see him recognize my new responsibility and share it on a big platform of his. I am also proud of what I am tasked to do with amputee football in Rwanda."

"I had a chance to have a chat with him (Infantino) and, if I meet him again, I hope he will understand my ideas and support them."

Having had a successful career as a player, he is using the platform to give children a chance to dream big in football. And that is the same ambition he has towards uplifting Rwandan Amputee football as he looks to advocate for the sport which is emerging in the country.

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"I like to give back, they (Amputee Football Federation) approached me because we have been working on different initiatives. Even at my foundation [Umuri], I focus on vulnerable children. People with disabilities are also vulnerable and they believe I can advocate for them,” Mulisa told Times Sport.

"I am really honored and I am looking forward to making this new responsibility a productive one. It’s my field, I think I can do advocacy for them in various ways,” he added.

Mulisa enjoyed a successful playing career in Belgium where he featured for KV Mechelen, Beveren among others. On the international scene, he was capped 17 times by Rwanda between 2002-2009 scoring two goals.

He is currently the assistant coach of the Rwandan senior national team.