The rise of APR coach Mashami

APR Football Club interim coach Vincent Mashami entered the record books of Rwandan football as the youngest coach in the top flight division league following the resignation of head coach Andreas Spier early last month. From a disciplined footballer Mashami has gone on to become one of the most highly trained coaches in the country after stints in Germany and England. The 32-year-old made his coaching break-through with the U-17 national team as Richard Tardy’s assistant when Rwanda played in the Africa Youth Championships and later the Fifa World Cup in Mexico in 2011. Saturday Sport interviewed him about a range of issues regarding his career as a player and coach. When did you start your career in the world of football? I began playing football as a young child back in Uganda where we used to play on dusty streets and bumpy pitches with my friends. During those days we would play football whenever we would get any free time at school or even on our way back home from school, for us, apart from school, it was football all the time. Then I had no dream of ever becoming a coach, but I believed I would become a great footballer. Which coach inspires you in the country? I am inspired by the national team coach Eric Nshimiyimana because of the vast experience he holds both as a player and coach for club and country. I admire the way he goes about his business. Which other popular figure inspires you most in Rwanda? I am inspired by President Paul Kagame because of what he has done to rebuild our country from almost nothing to where it is right now in a short period of time. I like his vision for the country, which has resulted in rapid development in all sectors, unity and reconciliation among Rwandans, as well as regional integration. What are some of the great moments in your coaching career? My most memorable moment is when Rwanda’s flag was raised at the 2011 Under-17 Fifa World Cup in Mexico. That was sincerely a remarkable and unforgettable moment not only for me but every Rwandan, who was in Mexico for the World Cup which is the biggest stage on international football. What’s your target this year as the acting head coach of APR FC? As a coach of APR FC, my target is to win everything on the local scene including the league title and the Peace Cup, so that the club plays in next year’s African Champions League. As a high-profile figure, how do you interact with people around you or outside of football circles? I try to keep a low profile. I respect and also interact politely with whoever I meet- young or old. However, during my leisure, time I try to meet friends and also spend time with my family. What is your favourite league in the world? My favourite league in the world is the English Premiership and when APR is not playing on any particular weekend, I can’t miss when Arsenal is playing; I am a good Arsenal fan. Which is your favourite team besides APR and Amavubi Stars? I have always been a supporter of Brazil because of the talent they have and passion for the beautiful game. Whenever they play, they drive the world crazy. I hope they win the World Cup in their own backyard this year. Most of the talented players come from Brazil. Who is your favourite local musician? My favourite musician on the local scene is Tom Close but there are some other musicians that are really doing well. And on the international stage? I am a very good fan of Bob Marley and his music. His music is so inspiring because of the message that comes with it. What is your favourite food? I like rice and beans And color? My best color is black What advice do you have for Ferwafa as the national football governing body? Ferwafa needs to establish competitive youth leagues of different age groups in order to prepare a large pool of young talented players to feed Rwandan football at club and national level. What’s your advice to the young players coming through? Since I have been working with young talents for a very long time, I have always been advising them to work hard and improve their game and to put much effort in their studies for those who have that chance. Are you married? Yes, I am a happily married man and I have been blessed with one kid Any other activities you have so far participated in which contribute to the promotion of Rwandan football? I have participated in various activities aimed at promoting Rwandan football both as a Rwandan and an employee of the Rwandan Football Federation. Some of those activities include; working as a Provincial Technical advisor of the Rwanda Football Association and I participated in the selection of players to join the first ever national football Academy in Rwanda (Ferwafa Academy). I was also among the members of the technical staff that selected the first intake of APR Football Academy that produced the likes of Emery Bayisenge. To be coach of a top club like APR, you must be having the necessary requirement in terms of qualifications, can you tell us about your qualifications I attained my first coaching license at the Sports centre, Koblenz-Oberwerth, Germany in 2007. I also hold a Caf C-License which I attained in 2012. I also attended an International coaching course in Germany for a DFB C- License as well as a Uefa B-License. In 2009, I got an International coaching course (B-License) from the school of sports in Germany and a year later, I attained an A-License from HENNEF sports school also in Germany. I also attended refresher courses of 1st and 2nd division coaches in Kigali in August 2008 and 2009, which were conducted by German expert Erich Rutemoller Last September, I attained a Football Association of England (FA/UEFA B) International coaching license. Mashami’s coaching career 2011: Assistant coach U-17 national team 2011-2012: Assistant coach Isonga FC (1st Div) 2012: Assistant coach U-20 national team 2012-2013: Head coach Isonga FC (2nd Div) 2014-APR assistant coach and currently interim head coach