CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualification: Rwanda’s fixtures August 11 Rwanda Vs Sudan August 13 Burundi Vs Rwanda August 16 Somalia Vs Rwanda August 21 Rwanda Vs Tanzania The national U17 football team head coach, Yves Rwasamanzi, has said he has confidence in his lads ahead of the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which will run from August 11-26 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. “It is a matter of giving them a chance to play as many matches as possible on international scene and showing belief in them and what they could be. They have talent, and they are all in great shape and mood,” Rwasamanzi said. He further noted, “It is unfortunate we didn’t start the preparations early enough, but we are happy for the work we did in the two weeks we spent together. Everyone on the team is fit and understands well our collective mission in Tanzania – to win the tournament.” Rwanda has been pooled in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia and Sudan while Group B is comprised of Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti. Amavubi Starlets will kick off their campaign against Sudan on August 11 at the National Stadium, then take on Burundi on August 13 and Somalia on August 16 before wrapping up their group fixtures against Tanzania on August 21. The 26-member Rwandan delegation at the tournament departed for Tanzania yesterday ahead of their Group A opening match against Sudan on Saturday. The winner of the tournament will represent the CECAFA region in the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, also set to be held in Tanzania in May 2019. Full delegation Players: Adolphe Hakizimana, Pierre Ishimwe, Zaidu Ishimwe, Jean de Dieu Kwizera, Hesbon Rutonesha, Kevin Mico Ndori, Emmanuel Niyitanga, Jean Rene Ishimwe, Jean Claude Issa Hagumubuzima, Rodrigue Isingizwe, Moise Nyarugabo, and Clever Kazungu. Others are:Innocent Mariza, Keddy Nsanzimfura, Aime Cedrick Nshuti, Eni Niyomugisha, Eric Niyonsenga, and Eria Kategaya. Team Officials: Quinta Rwakunda (head of delegation), Yves Rwasamanzi (head coach), Musa Gatera (assistant coach), Alexis Mugabo (goalkeeping coach), Emile Turatsinze (doctor), Jean Claude Tuyishime (physiotherapist), Michel Rutayisire (team manager) and Eric Tuyisenge (kit manager). editorial@newtimes.co.rw
