Ex-Arsenal star Lauren tips Rwanda to shine

Former Arsenal defender Lauren Etame Mayer was in the country on Tuesday to inspire youngsters, under the auspices of Airtel Rising Stars programme, into becoming football greats.The ex-Cameroon right back, who was part of Arsenal’s Premier League winning side of 2003-2004, said that Rwanda has potential to be top footballing country on the continent and it’s upon the relevant authorities to help the young talents realise their dream.Mayer was accompanied by Arsenal’s Relationship Manager Luke Wilson. During their one-day visit, they watched Isonga training sessions at Ferwafa Ground, next to the federation headquarters.They also met with a section of Arsenal fans before launching the Rising Stars soccer tournament in Rwanda.“It is a great honour for me to be in Rwanda to represent Arsenal in this project of the Airtel Rising Stars,” noted the Cameroonian, who also won the FA Cup with Portsmouth under manager Harry Redknapp.He added: “It offers me a great chance to come back home (Africa) and be part of developing the game, and I will always be available for Africa and hope that in the upcoming years we will have many such big tournaments.” “I’ve not been involved in this before but I hope to continue for so many years to come,” the former Arsenal player added.Rwandan Football Association (Ferwafa) president Celestin ‘Abega’ Ntagungira said: “His visit is going to help us because it inspires the young players to try hard to be like him, he is one of Africa’s most popular players.”“Having played at the very highest level with Cameroon and Arsenal, his involvement gives this programme more weight and prominence in different parts of the world, not only in Africa,” he explained.The partnership between Airtel and Arsenal will provide the opportunity for the beneficiary countries to utilise the Club’s merchandising, hospitality and content rights in five countries; Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana and Uganda.In partnership with Ferwafa, regional elimination matches involving up to 157 U-16 teams have already been played, with 64 teams still in contention.

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Ex-Arsenal star Lauren tips Rwanda to shine