‘Operation Nigeria’: Youngsters impress Micho as Amavubi prepares for Super Eagles clash

Friendly MatchYesterdayAmavubi 3-2 TPP A tour by a team of European-based players has been dubbed a success after the Amavubi Stars technical team identified potential players, who can play for the national teams. Amavubi head coach Sredojovic ‘Micho’ Milutin said in a news conference yesterday that the youngsters are a vital instrument in the development of Rwandan football in the years to come. “We have seen so many things in the two matches played by this team of young European based players. They are good players and they should be proud of their performances.” “We are going to evaluate every player in every position and pick put those with the qualities that suite to be summoned on the national team in our bid to put together a strong team against Nigeria in 2013 qualifiers. “In general, the boys can even be thought about for U-20 and U-23 national teams because of their quality and talent, noted Micho. The Serb coach that the idea of assessing Rwandan players living and playing in Europe is the first step in the campaign dubbed ‘Operation Nigeria’, which is aimed at basically prepare Amavubi team to be in good position of challenging the Super Eagles when both sides clash on February 29 in the first leg of the preliminary round of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Amavubi trounced TPP 3-2 yesterday at Amahoro stadium. Bokota Labama opened the scoring on 32nd minutes before his club mate Jerome Sina added a second with a 30m-yard strike on the stroke of half time before APR winger Jean Claude Iranzi netted third on 54th minute. The TPP team which was reinforced with APR players namely Douglas Lopez, Diego Oliviera, goalie Ramadhan Nkunzingoma and Ali Mbogo scored their goals through Bologne-based striker Jessy Reindorf (56) and Eric Ndagana (67), who plies his profession with Lierse SK. The Team of Professional Players (TPP) returns back to Europe this evening while Express striker Bonny Bayingana, who was been part of the touring team, returned back to Kampala last night. The team also lost their first friendly match against league champions APR 5-0 on Saturday. bonnie.mugabe@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

‘Operation Nigeria’: Youngsters impress Micho as Amavubi prepares for Super Eagles clash