Rwanda recently missed out on Johan Bakayoko, the talented PSV winger, who chose to represent Belgium despite previously expressing interest in playing for Amavubi. Born in Overijse, Belgium to a Rwandan mother and Ivorian father, the former Anderlecht youth team player represented Belgium from U15 to U21s level. In a 2023 interview, he acknowledged his illegibility to play for Rwanda. However, Belgium ended up taking him. ALSO READ: A closer look at 10 top young Rwandan footballers abroad Such cases underline the urgency of early intervention. The local football federation, FERWAFA, must proactively identify, court, and cap eligible players while they are still forming their international identity. Rwanda continues to position itself as a forward-looking and ambitious nation on the global stage. No doubt about that! And the time has come for local football authorities to adopt a more strategic and globally-minded approach to talent recruitment. The presence of young Rwandan players across Europe and North America, some of whom are making waves in competitive youth and senior leagues, presents a golden opportunity for the Rwandan football governing body, FERWAFA to revamp its approach to national team development. From Noam Emeran formerly at Manchester United to Hakim Sahabo in Belgium and Sanders Ngabo in Denmark, the Rwandan diaspora is teeming with some promising talent. These players not only bring technical quality and tactical exposure but also carry with them a connection to their heritage. Such kids and many more that haven't been scouted or probably heard of, are all ambitious professionals, who dream of playing international football. They have choices, and Rwanda is one. FERWAFA, given good counsel to think properly, and the resources, have the ingredients to pitch the Amavubi project that is too good to turn down, professionally, and economically or both. Yet, Amavubi, remains largely dependent on a limited local pool and a handful of familiar foreign-based names. The results have been underwhelming for far too long. ALSO READ: Rwandan teenager Kamari Doyle joins Exeter City on loan Under current head coach Adel Amrouche, the team has failed to register a win in four games, including a recent double defeat to Algeria. The gap in quality, physicality, and understanding, highlighted by Amrouche himself, cannot be bridged through tradition alone. It requires bold, strategic action. A deliberate recruitment strategy: African countries, particularly west Africa, have long suffered from losing top talents to European nations. Kylian Mbappé chose France over Cameroon and Algeria, for example. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka committed to England over Nigeria, and a whole host of other top names. It is no longer enough to wait until a player is 23 and established in Europe; the window of opportunity closes early. A national diaspora scouting program, similar to those employed by Morocco and Algeria, is critical. Rwanda should assign experienced talent scouts across key footballing nations like France, Belgium, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, tasked specifically with tracking Rwandan-eligible youth. These scouts must also serve as cultural ambassadors, communicating not just the opportunity to play, but the pride and purpose of representing Rwanda. Selling the Amavubi dream: To convince players to wear the national colours, FERWAFA must make the Amavubi project appealing. That means selling a vision that goes beyond football, a story of national growth, unity, and ambition. Rwanda has built a strong international reputation for innovation, safety, and development. Why not make those same national values the foundation of a footballing rebirth? Importantly, government support will be key. A coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and even the Office of the President could help elevate the pitch. Players should feel that choosing Rwanda is not a fallback; it’s a choice to be part of something transformative. Offering logistical support such as streamlined dual nationality processes, financial incentives, and travel allowances will also help. But more importantly, further, these players need to see a pathway, a project with structure, professionalism, and ambition. ALSO READ: Rwandan players abroad: Who stood out in 2024/25 season? Emerging talents like Irvyn Lomami (Lyon), Hugo Bigirimana (Switzerland), and Niyo Espoir Nsanzineza (Rapperswil-Jona) are not far from being snatched up by their countries of birth. Rwanda must move, first and fast. The current generation of young stars that we always read about in local press, still feels connected to their roots. If approached with respect and vision, many would proudly wear the Amavubi jersey. It’s time for FERWAFA to expand its recruitment horizon beyond Kigali and tap into the potential of the diaspora. Realistically, Rwanda presents the best shot for majority of these youngsters to play international football but we must make, and push that case, whatever it takes, FERWAFA must do. After all, football is more than a game. It is identity, pride, and soft power. If Rwanda wants to return to the Africa Cup of Nations, and or reach the World Cup for the first time in history, it must rethink how it builds its team. That can only be achieved not just with local heroes, but with a global family of Rwandan stars, ready to rise together. Rwanda can no longer afford to wait much longer. The Amavubi project must become a sellable cause, one that is worth choosing.
