Amavubi team manager Jackson Rutayisire has confirmed that star centre-back Abdul Rwatubyaye will be joining the national team camp on Tuesday ahead of their forthcoming clash against Côte d’Ivoire in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2019) qualifiers on March 23.

The 23-year old, who joined American Major Soccer League (MLS) side Sporting Kansas City last month, was named on the 27-man Amavubi provisional squad by head coach Vincent Mashami earlier this week.

Speaking to Sunday Sport on Saturday, Rutayisire said that the national team had contacted the player’s team and Rwatubyaye is due to join Amavubi teammates in camp on Tuesday, two days before flying to Ivory Coast.

"Foreign-based players will start joining us in camp on Monday, and Abdul (Rwatubyaye) will be reporting to camp on Tuesday,” said Rutayisire.

Vincent Mashami’s side and the 2015 African champions will be going head-to-head in the two sides’ final Group H encounter on Saturday at Stade Bouaké in Bouaké, Ivory Coast.

Côte d’Ivoire won the first-leg 2-1 at Kigali Stadium thanks to goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Max-Alain Gradel. Talisman Meddie Kagere netted the consolation goal for the hosts.

Rwatubyaye was first named on the senior national team in November 2015, and has since accumulated 22 caps.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com