ON THE COVER : Jimmy Gatete

He is a celebrity in the football world, on the national level, regional and in all African countries that have ever played with Rwanda. Just dare shout the name Jimmy Gatete, whether you’re in the remotest corner of the country, or the urban, rest assured very many heads will turn with excitement. Born in December 11, 1982, Burundi, Gatete is a Rwandan football striker and currently playing for Rayon Sport. His friends and family members know him as Gatete, but his fans have nicknamed him ‘god of goals’. He is the most creative and thorough striker Rwandan football has ever had. Gatete started his career in the early 90s, but burst to fame in March 2003, with his most celebrated goal against the Black Stars of Ghana, at Stade Amahoro in Kigali, a soccer game which led to Rwanda’s 1-0 win and handed the country its ticket to Tunis the following year. The 28-year-old, hit headlines in 2004, when he scored decisive goals during the African Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifications, which saw the Rwanda national football team (Amavubi) reach its first ever CAN finals. Gatete is also remembered for his remarkable goal against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, which boasted of key players like Yobo of Everton. His goal settled the scores to a draw. Though his age seems to be clocking down, Gatete still holds the flag in Rwanda’s football industry, due to his genius skills and overwhelming antics in front of the goal. Ends