Guide to Amavubi 2010 World/African Nations Cup campaign

In this second and last part of the guide to Amavubi’s World cup and CAN campaign, Time Sport runs you through the team on whose shoulders the nations’ qualification’s hopes will be resting on.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

In this second and last part of the guide to Amavubi’s World cup and CAN campaign, Time Sport runs you through the team on whose shoulders the nations’ qualification’s hopes will be resting on.

 Midfielders

Mutesa Mafisango, an imposing and versatile midfielder who combines aggression in the tackle with a fearsome shot.

The Atraco player has been used as a water carrier and could play in the back four again on Saturday.

Jean Baptist Mugiraneza, the former Kiyovu player appears to have matured since joining APR where he is fixture in the midfield.

Shy, the tall midfielder is maturing into a star for the future. Looks like the natural successor to Abdul Sibomana as finally the anchorman has called time on his playing career.

Eric Gasana (Mbuyu Twite), a national league winner with APR, the brother to DR Congo international, Kabange Twite has been at the heart of national team and club for the last year has vast experience on the international stage since his time in DRC. Ventures far forward these days but sits in front of the defence where he unleashes his thunderbolts. He is also comfortable as a right fullback.

Haruna Niyonzima, scorer and goal creator of vital goals for country and club. Passing skills and eye for a goal mean he is always one of the first names on the team sheet. Usually produces when it matters for APR.

Hegman Ngoma, the creative player who can unlock defences with a moment of great skill. Has great dribbling ability and has flourished at the junior levels. Not a done article but certainly a great one for the future.

Albert Nyumbayire, after an impressive season at Rayon, the midfielder has to prove that he has what it takes to stay at the top. A commanding figure on the ball with his box-to-box running and a real threat in the air.

Jean Claude Iranzi, the winger hasn’t disappointed for Kiyovu this season. Most unlikely to start on Saturday and like Ngoma, Iranzi is another great one for the future.

Jabo Mutsinzi (US Creteil Lusitanos, France) and Mwizerwa Ngabo (FC Wiltz 71, Luxembourg), the duo is completely unknown in the national team set up. As professionals, they have so much to prove.

Forwards

Abedi Mulenda, happy playing either side of the box. Mulenda has been a major feature for the national team and has made a big impact on the team when ever called on.

After a disappointing first season at Atraco from Rayon; he has been a main feature for the team playing alongside Peter Kagabo.

Elias Uzamukunda, a product of the U-20 national team .Made his name while still at AS Kigali before his big-money move to APR at the end of last season.

A top-class finisher by local standards, the 20-year-old won the national league with the military side in his first season.

James Uwimana, a new comer to the national team, has rarely disappointed for Kiyovu this season. One of those vital players who can come on and do a job in a variety of positions but unlikely to start on Saturday.

Peter Kagabo, the Atraco player has had a superb season for the taxi-men since arriving from Kibuye, scoring seven league goals. His creative skills have lifted Atraco to the top of the table .The Ugandan-born forward is another player for the future.

Olivier Karekezi, the veteran of the team and the most reliable. On his day the national team’s skipper is a terrifying prospect for defenders with his dazzling skills, power and his ability to dribbling. His form will be a key to Amavubi’s chances.

Said Abedi Makasi, has become something of a fringe player at club he has been to of recent. The much traveled striker has had spells in Uganda, Rwanda, Belgium, Turkey and now Israel.

Scored the most important goal of his life for Rwanda against his country of origin, DRC at the 2004 African Nations’ Cup finals in Tunis.

Bobo Bola, has had a limited number of appearances for national team recently. The Swedish based fans’ favorite last featured for the team against Cameroon.

Unfortunately, Rwandans haven’t yet seen the best from a player whose physique can easily convince Sir Alex Ferguson to give him a trial at Manchester United.

Ends