New Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine has left out goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera from the 31-man squad named for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, scheduled to take place in Kigali from March 23 to 31. The squad was announced on Monday, March 16, during a press conference where Constantine was officially unveiled as Amavubi head coach on a two-year renewable contract. The British tactician returns to lead the national team 11 years after his first stint, having previously resigned to take charge of India national football team. ALSO READ: I still have unfinished business in Rwanda— Constantine Kwizera omission raises questions Kwizera’s absence from the squad sparked questions from journalists, particularly because the goalkeeper has been in good form for Rayon Sports FC in the Rwanda Premier League. However, Amavubi assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana, who selected the squad before Constantine’s appointment, explained that the goalkeeper was dropped due to fitness concerns. He noted that medical staff often take longer assessing the player on the pitch during matches. In his intervention, Rwanda FA president Fabrice Shema suggested giving Kwizera an opportunity to join the training camp so the technical staff could further assess him. However, Constantine declined the suggestion and backed Nshimiyimana’s selections. “There is no debate, there is no discussion—that’s the squad that has been selected,” Constantine said. “There is one person or 10 persons in this room who have a player that hasn’t been selected. Not everybody’s player is going to be selected... and that’s not going to happen again. He based the selection on what he has seen, and that’s it.” The squad features a mix of local-based and foreign-based players as the technical bench continues shaping the team ahead of upcoming competitions. Among the notable inclusions is David Niyo, who has received his first national team call-up. The 18-year-old recently joined NK Veres Rivne in the Ukrainian Premier League. Also returning to the national setup are Lague Byiringiro of Police FC Rwanda and Hakim Sahabo, who had not been selected by former Amavubi coach Adel Amrouche. The matches will provide Amavubi with valuable preparation time as Rwanda continues building toward major continental competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The team is expected to enter residential camp later this week at the FERWAFA Hotel. Rwanda will open their FIFA Series campaign against Grenada national football team at Amahoro Stadium on March 27. The two sides are in Group A, alongside Kenya national football team and Estonia national football team. Meanwhile, Group B will feature Tanzania, Liechtenstein national football team, Aruba national football team, and Macau national football team. Full Amavubi squad Goalkeepers Fiacre Ntwari, Hugo Bigirimana, Patience Niyongira and Adolphe Hakizimana Defenders Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Kavita Phanuel Mbaya and Yunusu Nshimiyimana, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Claude Niyomugabo, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro and Obed Uwumukiza. Midfielders Bonheur Mugisha, Djihad Bizimana, Samuel Gueulette, Kevin Muhire, Sven Kalisa, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Hakim Sahabo and Rene Uwineza. Forwards Mickels Joy Slayd, Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye Innocent Nshuti, Mickels Joy Lance, Abeddy Biramahire, Lague Byiringiro, Jojea Kwizera, Mickels Leroy Jacques, Kury Johan Marvin, David Niyo and Gilbert Mugisha.
