Al Wahda striker Patrick Mutsinzi has relished the opportunity to feature for the national team and admits he was surprised to learn the news about maiden debut call up from coach Carlos Ferrer.
Mutsinzi is part of a 28-man squad that Ferrer summoned for Rwanda’s forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique on June 18 at Huye Stadium.
"The call up was a total surprise for me,” Mutsinzi said. "The first time I learned about the call up...I was in the room in Dubai, I was very happy because it is everyone&039;s dream to play for the national team and it was very exciting for me.”
"This is another landmark in my life. It is always thrilling to represent my country, and nothing can beat that,” he added.
At just 20, Mutsinzi is already playing top flight football in the United Arab Emirates with Abu Dhabi-based side Al Wahda. He played for Rwandan second tier side Heroes FC before he moved to the UAE in January.
The youngster's journey to success has not come out of the blue, he has worked tirelessly for it and it is paying off as it earned him a national team selection.
He is among three players who started training sessions with Amavubi on Tuesday evening alongside Noel Uwimana (Philadelphia Union), Jimmy Ange Mutsinzi (JERV), and Abeddy Biramahire (US Songo) as he and his teammates hope to achieve success with Rwanda.
Mutsinzi is now among the country’s few strikers playing in a top level league abroad and, if given the chance per his performance, he could be the wild card for Ferrer’s side, starting with Saturday’s clash with Mozambique in Huye.
"Together with my teammates I know we will do better, I am ready to contribute and reach the stage that we have never reached before and I know that, with God, it is possible. I look forward to working hard and hopefully I will be part of the final squad for the game against Mozambique," the youngster noted.
As Coach Carlos Alos Ferrer is looking for goals against Mozambique and goal scoring has been the main bane since he took charge of Amavubi in March 2022.
Mutsinzi could be offered the chance to start so that he can offer something different for the national team.
"I ask all Rwandans to come in large numbers to the game to support us and we are ready to give our best to make them happy."
Currently, Rwanda sit at the bottom of Group L with 2 points. Senegal is leading the table with 12 and have already booked a ticket to Cote d’Ivoire while Mozambique and Benin are third and fourth with 4 points.
To qualify for the 2023 AFCON, Ferrer’s side needs to win all its two remaining games against Mozambique and Senegal, hoping that Benin drop at least two points against Mozambique and Senegal.