Frenchman Bernard Rodriguez has been proposed to coach Rwanda Women's national team which will start preparing for two matches against Egypt in search of a ticket for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations, Times Sport understands
The Rwanda will face Egypt in the first round of the qualifier which is scheduled between February 17 and 26, while the second round will take place between October 20 and 28.
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Should Rodriguez’s appointment be confirmed, Rodriguez will be assisted by two Rwandan female coaches Theogenie Mukamusonera and Seraphine Munyana.
Last week, Ferwafa summoned a 28-woman squad for Egypt double clash. The team will start the camp on February 9, hoping that the new coaching staff will have been appointed.
Local football governing body (Ferwafa) is waiting for the Ministry of Sports to approve the head coach with Rodriquez looking favorite to take over the position which has been vacant since September 2023.
Born on December 16, 1964, in Aubagne, France, Rodriguez is a former French footballer who played for various clubs including AS Mazargues, Stade Olympique Cassis Carnoux, SO Cassis, Aubagne FC, US Marignane and US Endoume.
He retired from professional football as a player in 1994 and embarked on a new chapter of coaching.
He coached a number clubs including Union Sportive Marseille, FC Istres, US Endoume, GS Consolat, AS Gemenos, ES Pennoise, Hope of Tunis. He also served as assistant coach at Espérance Sportive de Tunis before taking charged of CS Hammam-Lif, Levadiakos, GSS Panions, Sporting Club Chabab Mohammedia (2019) as head coach.
He also coached Mauritania and Saudi Arabia U15 (2022).
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Once confirmed as Rwanda coach, his first test will be against Egypt. The winner of the tie will face the Black Queens of Ghana in the next round of the qualifiers.
A total of 38 African nations will compete for one of the 12 spots in the final tournament, alongside host nation Morocco.
The qualification process will consist of two rounds of home-and-away fixtures, ensuring thrilling and crucial matchups.
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Rwanda women squad:
Golakeepers: Angeline Ndakimana (Rayon Sports WFC), Elisabeth Mutuyimana (Police WFC) and Diane Uwamahoro (AS Kigali WFC).
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Defenders: Lydia Uzayisenga (Police WFC), Djamila Abimana (Rayon Sports WFC), Regine Uwihirwe (APR WFC), Louise Maniraguha (AS Kigali WFC), Andersene Uwase (Rayon Sports WFC), Providance Mukahirwa (Indahangarwa WFC), Aline Ingabire (AS Kigali WFC), Joseline Mukantaganira (Rayon Sports WFC), Immaculee Uwimbabazi (Rayon Sports WFC) and Goreth Niyonkuru (ES.Mutunda WFC).
Midfielders: Alodie Kayitesi (AS Kigali WFC), Diane Uwamariya (Forever WFC), Dorothea Mukeshimana (Rayon Sports WFC), Dudja Umwari Uwase (AS Kigali WFC), Uwitonze Nyirarukundo (Rayon Sports WFC), Marie Claire Dukuzumuremyi (Indahangarwa WFC), Frotentine Mutuyemariya (AS Kigali WFC), Émerance Niyonshuti (Rayon Sports WFC), Zawadi Usanase (AS Kigali WFC) and Angelique Muhoza (Rayon Sports WFC).
Attack: Jeanine Mukandayisenga (Yanga Princess of Tanzania, Emeline Mukagatete (Muhazi United WFC), Everlyne Amizero (Kamonyi WFC), Zawadi Ukwishaka (APR WFC) and Sandine Mutuyimana (Inyemera WFC).