Rwanda’s seasoned coach Andre Casa Mbungo is looking forward to seizing a new opportuning in women’s football as he starts a new adventure of his career with Amavubi women’s team ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Rwandan football governing body (Ferwafa) offered Mbungo to lead Rwanda during the upcoming WAFCON 2026 qualifying fixtures against Egypt, hoping that he helps the team get past the Pharaohs in their quest for ticket to the next round of the qualifiers.
Rwanda will host Egypt in Kigali on February 21 before traveling to Ismailia for the second leg on February 25.
Mbungo was watching the team training on Tuesday morning at Kigali Pele Stadium under the guidance of assistant coaches Theogenie Mukamusonera and Seraphine Munyana.
"It is going to be my first time coaching women but I have my philosophy which I can insert in them then we can work together and I believe we can reach to good level. It is a short time but we must engage ourselves deep to work hard and I believe we can achieve the better results,” Mbungo said.
"Football is my passion not only for one gender, football, in general, is the same everywhere. I just have to give what is necessary for the players.”
Commenting on his appointment to take charge of the national women’s team, Mbungo said, "It in my greatest pleasure to be trusted by the country so I have to work hard as we prepare the two games,” he said.
ALSO READ: FIFA ranking: She-Amavubi maintain 32nd position in Africa
Rwanda has never qualified for the Africa Nation Championship but Mbungo believes it is possible to change that narrative although he admits it will be difficult to beat Egypt.
"We must start winning the first leg, and there is need to work hard from the coach to players to pull in the same direction. We all need to work together as a unit from top to bottom if we’re to meet our expectations,” he said.
"In this short period, what we need to do is to work hard and give the players the winning mentality so that we can achieve our dream.”
Mbungo takes over Rwanda women’s team after parting ways with South Sudan top tier side Jamus FC in end January.
ALSO READ: Nyinawumuntu aims high after landing she-Amavubi job
The team that will progress between Rwanda and Egypt will face the Black Queens of Ghana in the next qualifying round.
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 comprises two rounds of home-and-away fixtures, ensuring thrilling and crucial matchups.
Mbungo is one of the most experienced coaches in Rwanda who has coached teams such as SEC Academy, Kiyovu Sports, Police FC and AS Kigali.
He also coached in the Kenyan Premier League at various clubs including AFC Leopard and Bandari FC. He also served as the interim coach of the National Team 'Amavubi' in 2014.