Four young Rwandan goalkeepers in Europe Amavubi can rely on
Sunday, January 09, 2022
L-R: Maxime Wenssens, Matteo Nkurunziza, Hugo Bigirimana and Maik Muhozi. The four goalkeepers are all based in Europe, and the oldest is aged 22.

Goalkeeping is one important department of the game and at times, teams are let down by their shot stoppers when it matters most.

Rwanda currently does not have a pool of many talented goalkeepers ranging from the senior Amavubi to the junior and youth national teams, and it seems to be one of the problems facing the country's football.

Times Sport brings to you four talented Rwandan goalkeepers in Europe who can feed the various national teams.

1. Maxime Wenssens (Age 20, KV Mechelen, Belgium)

Standing at a giant frame of 1.91 meters with good reflexes, the KV Mechelen Under-21 goalie is one of the most promising custodians in Belgium currently.

He has established himself in between the sticks of the Mechelen youth side since his 2020 move as a free agent and could be handed a place in the senior side next season. Wessens was born to a Rwanda mother and a Belgian father

2. Matteo Nkurunziza (Age 17, RWDM FC, Belgium)

Another bright talent in the Belgian youth ranks. The agile goalkeeper plays for the Under-21 side of RWDM FC and is among the highly regarded players at the club.

He was awarded a fresh three-year contract by the club last September.

3. Hugo Bigirimana (Age 16, BEJune FC, Switzerland)

The youngster is the safest pair of hands for BEJune FC in the Swiss Under-18 Elite League. 

He has made eleven league appearances this season, keeping one clean sheet, and is considered as a talent with potential to develop more.

4. Maik Muhozi (Age 22, SV Friesen, Germany)

He plays for SV Friesen in the German Landesliga Bayern, which is a lower tier division.

Muhozi, who was born to a Rwandan father and a German mother, is an outstanding goalkeeper with good reflexes and is hailed for his ability to start attacks from the back. He could leave Friesen in June for an upper competition.