Amavubi players have pleased the new head coach Adel Amrouche as Rwanda prepares for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho at Amahoro Stadium on March 21 and March 25. Amrouche, along with assistants his Eric Nshimiyimana and Dr Carolin Braun, led his first training session as Amavubi coach on Sunday at Amahoro Stadium which will host their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Friday, March 21. ALSO READ: Adel Amrouche: Who is the new Amavubi head coach? With only a few days spent with the Algerian coach, a number of players have been impressed by his coaching approach as they prepare to host Nigeria. “What I believe, he is a good coach, how he talks and orient his training. So we are happy to have him and we believe that, with his approach, we will get good results in the next two matches,” said midfielder Kevin Muhire. Throughout his career, Amrouche has been recognized for his tactical planning and his ability to maximize his players’ potential, having led various teams to significant victories and participation in major tournaments. And Bosco Ruboneka can’t agree more after his first training experience under the former Tanzania head coach. “He (Amrouche) first introduced himself to us, we chat and he told us what he needs from us. He communicated his ambitions and he gave us drills which was simple because it was first day but we are happy with him for not only being humble but he also shows that he can change the character of the player,” Ruboneka said. Steve Rubanguka said that he believes that Amrouche brings a wealth of experience to the job, having managed seven national teams, while coaching prominent clubs. Amavubi have an uphill task to beat Nigeria and Lesotho in Kigali if they are to maintain their top spot in Group C of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and keep their qualification dream alive. And, with Amrouche, midfielder Steve Rubanguka believes Rwanda can only get better. “I can say that he has a good approach to the players and I believe that he will take us to another level. With his experience in past jobs, he has that capacity to raise our level” he said. ALSO READ: Sahabo, York recalled as Amrouche names provisional squad for Nigeria, Lesotho qualifiers Amrouche recalled youngster Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York to the national team after close to 10 months without international football. Among other returnees are Djabel Manishimwe and shot stopper Pierre Ishimwe.
