Coach Mashami Vincent has been handed the reigns of Rwanda Men’s National Team for a period of one year
Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) unveiled Mashami Vincent as the head coach of Rwanda Men’s senior football team in a press briefing held on Monday afternoon at the federation’s head quarters in Remera, Kigali City.
Mashami signed a one-year renewable contract earlier today and immediately summoned a 32-man provisional squad to face Cote d’Ivoire in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier scheduled for September 9, 2018 at Stade de Kigali.
Mashami said, “It is a great feeling and a great honour for me to be in this position. Today is a memorable day and I would like to thank the FA and all concerned parties for believing in me and I also want to thank a long list of former Amavubi coaches for having me on board and sharing their experience with me,”
He further added, “I am therefore excited and I can’t wait to get on the field with the players as we prepare for the upcoming fixtures. Together with everyone, our objective is to qualify for 2019 AFCON.”
“I love my country and this is an opportunity I have taken with open arms. I will work tirelessly for my country to progress from one level to another. We expect nothing apart from winning this important home game which will put us on track again,” he added.
Mashami replaces German Antoine Hey who left his position after Rwanda’s exit at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.
A former coach of Rwanda Premier League Champions APR FC, Mashami was also assistant coach of the national team to Antoine Hey.
He has also managed the national team at youth, junior and Olympic level and is expected to start work immediately.
2019 AFCON Qualifier
Rwanda began their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 away loss to the Central African Republic in Group H and their next encounter is next month against Africa’s best side Cote d’Ivoire.
Among the 32-man provisional squad, Mashami has summoned nine-based foreign based players to beef up the national team ahead of the crucial qualifier.
The summoned professional include; goalkeeper Kwizera Olivier (Free State Stars, South Africa), defending duo of Salomon Nirisarike (AFC Tubize, Belgium) and Usengimana Faustin (Khitan Sport Club, Kuwait), midfielder trio of Bizimana Djihad (Beveren, Belgium), Haruna Niyonzima (Simba SC, Tanzania) and Sibomana Patrick (FC Shakhtyor, Belarus) and attacking trio of Kagere Meddie (Simba SC, Tanzania), Jack Tuyisenge (Gor Mahia, Kenya) and Usengimana Dany (Tersana FC,Egypt) respectively.
Against the Elephants, Mashami said, “It will be a tough game especially when it comes to playing one of Africa’s best but it’s another great opportunity for our players to show what they have,”
The former Bugesera Fc coach will be assisted by Jimmy Mulisa and Seninga Innocent as the first and second assistant coaches respectively.
The summoned players composed mainly of local players are expected to join camp at La Palisse Hotel, Nyamata on Tuesday evening ready to begin intensive preparations on Wednesday at Stade de Kigali. The foreign-based players will join camp five days before the game as mandated by FIFA.
Rwanda lost the opening game against Central Africa Republic away in Bangui losing 1-2 in June this year.
Group leaders Guinea also stunned the 2015 champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in Abidjan. Ivory Coast and Rwanda are third and fourth, respectively, without a point.
Rwanda Senior Team Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kwizera Olivier (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kimenyi Yves (APR FC), Rwabugiri Omar (Mukura VS) and Ntwari Fiacre (Intare FC & U20)
Defenders: Salomon Nirisarike (AFC Tubize,Belgium), Iragire Saidi (Mukura VS), Usengimana Faustin (Khitan Sport Club, Kuwait), Rwatubyaye Abdul (Rayon Sports), Rugwiro Herve (APR FC), Manzi Thierry (Rayon Sports), Michel Rusheshangoga (Uncontracted), Emmanuel Manishimwe (APR FC), Fitina Omborenga (APR FC) and Rutanga Eric (Rayon Sports).
Midfielders: Mukunzi Yannick (Rayon Sports), Mugiraneza Jean Baptiste (APR FC), Niyonzima Ally (AS Kigali), Bizimana Djihad (Beveren, Belgium), Haruna Niyonzima (Simba SC,Tanzania), Buteera Andrew (APR FC), Cyiza Hussein (Mukura VS), Iranzi Jean Claude (APR FC), Muhire Kevin (Rayon Sports), Sibomana Patrick (FC Shakhtyor, Belarus), Ngendahimana Eric (Police FC) and Nizeyimana Djuma (Kiyovu Sports).
Forwards: Kagere Meddie (Simba SC, Tanzania), Jack Tuyisenge (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Usengimana Dany (Tersana FC, Egypt), Hakizimana Muhadjili (APR FC), Mbaraga Jimmy (AS Kigali) and Uwimbabazi Jean Paul (Kirehe FC).
Technical Staff: Mashami Vincent (Head Coach), Jimmy Mulisa (1st Assistant Coach),
Seninga Innocent (2nd Assistant Coach), Higiro Thomas (Goalkeeper Coach), Niyintunze Jean Paul (Fitness Coach), Rutayisire Jackson (Team Manager), Rutamu Patrick (Physio), Nuhu Asouman (Physio), Peter Baziki (Kit Manager) and Munyaneza Jacques (Assistant Kit Manager)
