Former Rwanda striker Jimmy Mulisa is eager to begin a new challenge today, one that will see him share his experience with the current generation of youngsters on the national side. The 31-year old, who was appointed Amavubi Stars assistant coach for this week’s training camp ahead of the friendly match with Nigeria’s U-23 team on July 25 and South Africa three days later in Johannesburg, said keen on mentoring young players. “Mentorship is something that has been lacking in our game and I am glad that (Jonny) McKinstry contacted me to come onboard and share my experience with the Amavubi players,” said Mulisa. Belonging to the ‘golden generation’ that qualified for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, Mulisa understands what it takes to qualify for a continental showpiece at a time the Amavubi are eying glory at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The former APR star noted, “It is very important to guide these young players. They are talented but need someone to give guidance and tell them that it is possible. They are bound to make mistakes but they can learn and become better players.” Currently the technical director at Sunrise FC, Mulisa has already registered some success following his retirement from professional football last year. The Rwamagana-based side finished in fourth position in the National Football League in their debut season and Mulisa in an earlier interview pointed out the importance of mentoring young inexperienced players and believing in them. Mulisa wants to do the same with the Amavubi who he believes have the potential to succeed on the continental level. The 26-man provisional squad that Mulisa will be working with this week includes impressively talented players like the teenage trio of Kevin Muhire, Dominique Savio Nshuti and Danny Usengimana who were outstanding on the U-23 during the CAF U-23/Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers in April. The trio featured for Isonga last season but will be looking to make a name on the senior national team and it is this passion and determination that Mulisa will be looking to feed with motivation.
