Branko backs his wasps

Sun- (Friendly against Malawi) June 6- (2010 World/CAN qualifier against Zambia). Tucak Branko has backed his wasps to prevail during their away crunch 2010 World/CAN qualifier against Zambia on June 6.

Thursday, May 28, 2009
Amavubi Coach Tucak Branko has backed his waps to beat Zambia (Photo/ J. Mbanda)

Sun- (Friendly against Malawi)

June 6- (2010 World/CAN qualifier against Zambia). Tucak Branko has backed his wasps to prevail during their away crunch 2010 World/CAN qualifier against Zambia on June 6.

The Amavubi stars coach made the gesture after picking his final 21-man squad for the qualifier.

"I have belief in this squad and I’m sure it will get the result we all need on June 6,” the Croat said.

Branko believes that a win in Zambia will cheer up Rwanda’s chances of making their debut appearance in the World Cup as well as a second appearance at the African Cup of Nations (CAN).

Branko has spent sometime studying the Zambian side.

"I have watched the video for the qualifier between Egypt and Zambia and even picked up a few tips from my fellow European coaches on how best to approach the Chipolopolo,” he said.

"Zambia is more physical than us but we shall stick to our game and see how it goes,” Branko noted.

Bokota Labama and Elias Uzamukunda are expected to boost Amavubi’s attack. The duo is back in the side after missing Amavubi’s first qualifier against Algeria.

Aloua Gaseruka (defender) was also recalled while Belgian based midfielder Jimmy Mulisa, Emery Mvuyekure, Donatien Tuyisenge, Abdul Uwimana and the APR pair of Jean Bosco Uwacu and Arafat Serugendo missed out. Before the Zambia qualifier, Amavubi Stars will have a warm up game against Malawi in Blantyre.

Rwanda was held to a goalless home draw in their first qualifier against Algeria and needs a result in Lusaka to boost their World/ CAN hopes.

AMAVUBI TEAM:

Goalkeeper: J.Ndoli, Jean Luc Ndayishimiye and Patrick Rutayisire

Defenders: Elias Ntaganda, Hamad Ndikumana, Ismail Nshutinamagara, Bonaventure Hategikimana, Aloua Gaseruka, Saddou Boubacar and Aimable Rucogoza.

Midfielders: Eric Gasana, Haruna Niyonzima, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza, Pekeyake Tuyisenge, Albert Ngaboyisibo, Elias Uzamukunda and Mutesa Mafisango

Strikers: Olivier Karekezi, Jimmy Gatete, Bokota Labama and Said Abed Makasi

Technical Staff: Tucak Branko (Head Coach),Eric Nshimiyimana (assistant Coach), Thomas Higiro (Goalkeeper Coach), Musa Hakizimana (Doctor), Antoine Rudasigwa Burabyo ( Physiotherapist) and Jean Pierre Bazigangango (team manager).

Ferwafa Officials: Veduste Kayiranga and Boniface Nsabimana.

Ends