Tetteh urges clubs to give a chance to junior players

After Rwanda’s exit from next year’s Africa Youth Championship qualifiers, coach Sellas Tetteh has called on Primus League clubs to give a chance to home-grown young players in order to enhance their development.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Jean Claude Iranzi celebrates with Jamal Mwiseneza after he set-up Kipson Atuh eireu2019s first goal in the first half. (Photo/ G. Kirenga)

After Rwanda’s exit from next year’s Africa Youth Championship qualifiers, coach Sellas Tetteh has called on Primus League clubs to give a chance to home-grown young players in order to enhance their development.

Rwanda’s Under-20 team suffered a shock exit from the qualifying phase of the 2011 edition despite beating Congo 2-1 Sunday at Nyamirambo stadium.

The Junior Wasps came from behind to level on 43rd minute through striker Kipson Atuheire and an excellent goal from Jean Claude Iranzi on 53rd minute.

Boukama Kaye had put the visitors in the lead after beating skipper Amani Uwilingiyimana and slotting home past home goalie Patrick Rutayisire.

However, majority of the players, who played are not first team players or further still some even spend the entire season without playing a single competitive game for their respective clubs.

"The early elimination is not good for the development of Rwanda football. I can’t blame the players because they tried their best.  We missed a lot of good (scoring) chances that could have changed the game in our favor.

"However, the fact that most of these players are not featuring for their clubs is a major handicap not only to their development but also for the national game.

"I am not happy with this result but on the other hand, it shows us where we need to improve. Of course, I will continue to do my best in improving the level of youth players in the country and I plan to draft some of these (junior) players into the senior team,” said Tetteh.

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