Kwizera out of Olympic qualifier against Uganda

Rwanda’s number one choice goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera has been ruled out of the CAF U-23/Rio 2016 Olympic Games second round qualifier against Uganda on May 30 at the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium. Kwizera is nursing a mild wound to his right ankle and according to assistant coach Vincent Mashami who is in charge of the side in head coach Johnny McKinstry’s absence, the custodian has been given a few days off to heal. “It is a blow that we shall be without Olivier Kwizera because of the massive experience he has amassed recently,” said Mashami in an interview with Times Sport last evening after training at Amahoro stadium. The 21-year-old Kwizera, who is also the number one choice goalkeeper for the senior team, Amavubi Stars is renowned for his quick reflexes, good distribution and good ball handling skills, has quickly made his mark on the national sides in the absence of the injured Jean Claude Ndoli who is currently recovering from a knee operation following a career threatening injury last July. Marcel Nzarora Kwizera has been replaced by Marcel Nzarora of Police FC renowned for his classic performances during the 2011 CAF Africa U-17 Championships held in Rwanda that guided the Junior Wasps to the final before losing to Burkina Faso 2-1. Nzarora was at the forefront of Rwanda’s campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico and it is this experience that Mashami believes will come in handy against Uganda over the weekend. “Marcel Nzarora is a good goalkeeper and this is his chance to prove a point. He has massive experience at the international level and he will be looking to replicate this against Uganda,” explained Mashami. Meanwhile, Gicumbi forward Dominique Antoine Ndayishimiye has replaced Bertrand Iradukunda who struggled in the first leg 2-1 loss to the Uganda Kobs last Saturday at Amahoro stadium. The winner of this tie will meet Egypt in the last round of qualification for the CAF U-23 Championship that will be hosted in Dakar, Senegal from November 28-December 12. The top three teams at the quadrennial continental tournament will qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Kwizera out of Olympic qualifier against Uganda