It has been 15 years since Rwanda made its historic first and only appearance at the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico. The Junior Wasps secured qualification after reaching the final of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, which Rwanda hosted in Kigali. The hosts impressed at the continental tournament, finishing as runners-up after a 2–1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final at Amahoro Stadium. At the World Cup, Rwanda was drawn in a tough group alongside England, Uruguay and Canada. Coached by Richard Tardi, the team finished bottom of the group after managing a single draw from three matches. Despite the results, Rwanda’s participation remains one of the major milestones in the country’s football history. Times Sport looks back at the golden generation that led Rwanda to its only U17 World Cup appearance and how their careers unfolded. Marcel Nzarora At the time, Nzarora was playing for the FERWAFA Academy and travelled to the U17 World Cup as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. After the tournament in Mexico, he returned to Rwanda and went on to play for several clubs, including Police FC, Isonga, Mukura, Musanze and Rayon Sports. His last professional stint was with Mukura VS. In 2019, Nzarora moved to Scotland, where he has since retired from football and settled with his family. Michel Rusheshangoga Like several others in the squad, the right-back came through the FERWAFA Academy. After the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, Rusheshangoga—nicknamed the Rwandan “Jay-Jay Okocha” for his dribbling, crossing and long-range goals—established himself as one of the country’s best right-backs. He played for APR FC, AS Kigali, Isonga and Tanzania’s Singida United, winning several trophies with APR, including the Peace Cup, and reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup final in Kigali in 2014. He earned multiple Amavubi call-ups before retiring prematurely in 2020 at just 26 and relocating to Texas, United States, where he currently lives. Celestin Ndayishimiye Ndayishimiye enjoyed a solid career in Rwanda, featuring for top clubs including Police FC, Sunrise FC, AS Muhanga and Mukura VS, as well as the senior national team Amavubi during Johnathan McKinstry’s tenure. He was a key figure at left-back during the tournament and currently lives in Nyagatare. Eugene Habyarimana Habyarimana traveled with the team to Mexico as a backup to Rusheshangoga in the right-back position, as a versatile defender who can play more than one role in the backline. After the World Cup, he mainly featured for Musanze FC where he had a lengthy career before his retirement. He currently lives in Musanze. Eric Nsabimana Police FC captain Nsabimana is one of the few active players from Rwanda’s U17 squad that featured at the 2011 World Cup in Mexico. The veteran defensive midfielder has enjoyed a consistent top-flight career with APR FC, AS Kigali and now Police FC. Although he has not played abroad, he has featured in the CAF Confederation Cup with AS Kigali, earned several caps with Amavubi, and was part of Rwanda’s squad at the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Robert Ndatimana The stylish midfielder travelled to the U17 World Cup in Mexico as one of Tardy’s key players, but he never fully lived up to expectations despite his technical ability. Ndatimana played for Isonga FC, Rayon Sports, Bugesera FC, Gicumbi FC and Sunrise FC, though his stint at Sunrise was cut short as he took a temporary break from football due to depression. He currently lives in Rwamagana. Charles Tibingana He was among the few U17 players based abroad at the time, having been part of Uganda’s Proline Academy in 2011. After the World Cup, Tibingana went on to play for APR FC and Uganda’s Victoria University FC. Times Sport understands that he currently lives in Gashora, Bugesera. Emery Bayisenge Bayisenge is another active member of Rwanda’s historic U17 squad to have enjoyed a successful career. The central defender captained the team at the World Cup in Mexico. After the tournament, he played for Isonga FC and APR FC before spells abroad with Morocco’s Saif Sporting Club and Jeunesse Sportive d’El Massira, as well as AS Kigali. At his peak, Bayisenge was a key player for Amavubi, featuring in several AFCON qualifiers and two CHAN tournaments. He currently plays for Rayon Sports. Bonfils Kabanda Another midfielder in Richard Tardy’s U-17 team that went to Mexico. When the tournament ended, he played for a few clubs mainly outside of Rwanda, for example, French Ligue 2 side AS Nancy Lorraine. He also played for Thaon – also based in France. Times Sport understands that he is living in France today but no longer plays football. Andrew Buteera The talented midfielder joined the U-17 team from Uganda-based Proline FC Academy. After the World Cup, he played briefly for Isonga FC before joining APR FC, where he remains today. Despite his technical ability, recurrent injuries limited his time on the pitch for both club and country. He currently lives in Bugesera, Gashora, working as a talent detection coach alongside his longtime friend Tibingana. Justin Mico The striker returned home after the U-17 World Cup and played for several clubs, including Isonga FC, AS Kigali, Police FC, Rayon Sports, and Sofapaka. Today, he is retired and living in France. Heritier Turatsinze The center-back returned to Rwanda after Mexico and played for Sunrise, Police FC, and Bugesera. He is now retired and resides in Rubavu District, Western Province. Janvier Benedata The midfielder featured for APR and Mukura after the World Cup. He currently plays for AS Kigali in the Rwanda Premier League, serving as team captain. Faustin Usengimana After the 2011 U-17 World Cup, the center-back played for APR and Rayon Sports before spending a season in Zambia with Buildcon 2019. He returned to Rwanda and is currently based in Kigali without a club. Jean-Marie Rusingizandekwe The left-back deputized for Celestin Ndayishimye in Mexico. After the tournament, he played for Marines FC and now lives in Belgium, working as a football agent. Sulaiman Kakira After the U-17 World Cup, he played for APR and Kiyovu. He is now based in Dubai, running a cargo business and currency exchange operations. Ibrahim Itangishaka One of the lesser-known forwards from the Mexico squad, Itangishaka played for Etincelles FC after the tournament. He is now retired, living in Rubavu District, and coaching in a gym. Farouk Ruhinda The Ugandan-born forward featured for APR and Bugesera after the World Cup. He is currently playing for Bugesera FC. Steven Ntaribi The goalkeeper traveled to Mexico as understudy to Marcel Nzarora. He later played for Isonga FC, APR FC, Musanze FC, and Gorilla FC. He currently works at Bank Kigali City. Kabes Hategekimana The third-choice goalkeeper for the U-17 team played for AS Muhanga and Musanze FC after the tournament. He is now retired, living in Musanze District, and working as a barber.
