Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali has challenged Amavubi Stars to have a winning mentality ahead of their 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier away to Algeria on June 2 in Blida.“We need to write a new chapter for Rwandan football and this will only be possible with a win against Algeria. Considering the good preparations and the talent of individual players, there is no reason why you (team) can’t make it,” he told the players.Mitali made the challenge during a farewell ceremony to send-off the national team at La Palisse hotel, Nyandungu, on Saturday. The team left on Sunday for a two-week training camp in Tunisia where it will play two friendly matches against Tunisia and Libya. “This is a tough journey that you are embarking on, so I challenge you to put in your best effort so as to bring pride to our country,” added Mitali, who handed thenational flag to skipper Olivier Karekezi. In his remarks, Karekezi said, “We are ready to represent our country with pride and dignity. With good preparations, I believe we have the potential to match any of our opponents in the group.”Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic appreciated the government’s role in securing funds for a training camp in Tunisia which he said will help his team gel well before the clash with Algeria.Micho named the 24-man team which flew out on Sunday afternoon. The Serbian coach dropped eight players from 32-team initially summoned early this week to start preparations.They include Rayon Sports veteran defender Hamad Ndikumana, Abouba Sibomana, Farouk Ruhinda (Isonga), Francouis Hakizimana (Isonga), Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (APR), Eric Nsabimana (Isonga), Hamdan Bariyanga (Etincelles).Isonga goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera is in the 24-man squad.Travelling squad:Evariste Mutuyimana, Olivier Kwizera, Jean Claude Ndoli, Albert Ngabo, Eric Gasana, Jonas Nahimana, Solomon Nirisarike, Emery Bayisenge, Ismail Nshutiyamagara, Frederick Ndaka, Haruna Niyonzima, Hussein Sibomana, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza, Iranzi Jean Claude, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Bonny Bayingana, Fabrice Twagizimana, Imran Nshimiyimana, Meddie Kagere, Olivier Karekezi, Elias Uzamukunda, Sina Jerome, Dady Birori and Bokota Labama.
