Rwandan duo handed U19 FC Bayern World Squad 2025 selection
Monday, July 07, 2025
Two Rwandan football prospects Barthazar Ndayishimiye and David Okoce have been selected to join the U19 FC Bayern World Squad 2025. Courtesy

Two Rwandan football prospects Barthazar Ndayishimiye and David Okoce have been selected to join the U19 FC Bayern World Squad 2025, an international initiative by German giants FC Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich’s World Squad, is a youth programme aimed at unearthing the best young players around the globe and giving them the platform to develop and make the cut at a professional level.

Ndayishimiye, 17, and Okoce, 18, joined FC Bayern Global Academy in September 2024 for a five-month trial after successfully passing local trials conducted by Bayern Munich Rwanda Academy.

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The academy was set up in Rwanda through a partnership deal signed between the German giants and Rwandan government through the Visit Rwanda initiative.

After four days training at FC Bayern’s facilities in Munich from July 1-4, the players traveled to in China where they are currently participating in international activities in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Taicang until July 13. They will return to Munich for another stage of the programme due from July 14 to 27.

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Guided by Bayern legends Roy Makaay and Diego Contento, the players are gaining world-class coaching, international exposure, and mentorship that could shape their professional futures.

Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, hailed the achievement, describing the duo’s selection to the U19 FC Bayern World Squad as a "proud moment for Rwanda.”

"It reflects both their exceptional talent and the success of our youth development efforts. We believe they will represent our country with excellence and inspire more young Rwandans to pursue their dreams through sport,” Mukazayire said.