Amavubi head coach Vincent Mashami has challenged his players not to take their foot off the gas in their pursuit for a second successive win after humiliating Seychelles 3-0 effectively closing in on a spot in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Forward Muhadjiri Hakizimana, midfielder Yannick Mukunzi and striker Meddie Kagere were on target with a goal each in the first-leg played Thursday at Linite Stadium in the Seychelles capital, Victoria. Mashami says his side are yet to play their best football, predicting that the best days lie ahead. “I know they (players) can do better, they have got the experience. The team will continue to improve, we have not yet hit our top form.” “We did well on Thursday and I hope we will even do much better in the coming days. We enjoyed every moment, but we have to continue working hard,” he told Saturday Sport on Friday. Mashami has a tough journey ahead as after the second encounter against Seychelles, Mashami will have just ten days to put together a team that will face Ethiopia for a ticket to the 2020 African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals tournament in Cameroun. “We have played Ethiopia before, we know the opponent well and we will prepare accordingly. What we have to do is to stay focused and play our game.” However, besides the World Cup and CHAN qualifiers, Mashami and his men also have a bumpy ride waiting following Rwanda’s tough draw in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers where the national team has been drawn in Group F along with Cameroun, Cape Verde and Mozambique. “We are playing at home, but we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas. The players are aware that they need to stay focused. We all look forward to the challenge.” Rwanda host Seychelles in the decisive clash at Kigali Stadium on Tuesday, starting at 6pm. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
