Musanze FC’s Gad Muhawenayo is among emerging goalkeepers in the ongoing 2023/24 Primus National League. The agile shot stopper has been an important figure for Musanze FC’s transformation from a mid-table team to real title contenders. Muhawenayo, 25, has conceded just 16 goals so far this campaign which is the second lowest in the league. Musanze FC who are currently 3rd on the league table led the ranks for many months before APR FC crawled back to the apex and Muhawenayo has been key to the fortunes of the Northern Province-based club and his effort was rewarded with a callup in Amavubi setup in November 2023. Weekend Sport caught up with the talented goalkeeper as he takes us through his football journey. Excerpts: Tell us about yourself My name is Gad Muhawenayo, I was born in Nyanza District, Southern Province of Rwanda on November 30, 1998. How was childhood like? My childhood was very difficult because I did not have a very good life at home in terms of amenities and other stuffs. How did your career begin? I started my football career in elementary school in the fourth grade. The ride has bit been quite an easy one for me because I didn't have the equipment and my family hardly saw me at home. ALSO READ: Habimana insists unbeaten Musanze FC can win the league title Which clubs have you played for? I played for Amagaju FC and Gicumbi FC before joining Musanze FC. Who discovered your talent and brought you into the limelight? Coach Japhet and Jaber saw me, and they quickly realized I had potential. they took me under their wings, and I am very grateful to them for helping me to this stage. How was it like getting your first national team call up? It got my first callup November 2023 when Rwanda was preparing to play against Zimbabwe and South Africa during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. I was excited when I saw my name. I give credit to Musanze FC, they gave me the opportunity and I took it. I did my best and I got the national team call up. What’s your personal life like? I am a very cool and God-fearing guy. I respect God and I pray a lot. I am not someone who likes going out, I prefer to stay at home mostly. Which attacker has been your worst nightmare in your career? I will mention two. Former Rayon Sports star Heritier Luvumbu as well as AS Kigali's Shabani Hussein. They are dangerous players. What was the most difficult time in your career? It is when I was in Gicumbi FC, things were not going on well in all spheres for me in the sport. What has been your happiest day in your career? It is obviously the day I got Amavubi call up. The dream of every player is to feature for his national team and that is my dream as well. I was excited when I got the call up. Musanze has been transformed from a mid-table team to title contenders this season, what is the secret? The secret is just working hard, dedication and we pray a lot. We also have good leaders like coach Sostene Habimana, and Japhet Imurora, a coach who loves the players very much. The group is united in the dressing room. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in June when Rwanda next face Benin and Lesotho. What are your expectations? I want to keep up my form so that I will always get call up. I am ready to serve my country any time I am called upon. We are leading the Group, and we must keep the momentum.
