Amavubi depart for Senegal


By HAMZA NKUUTU


Amavubi Stars jet out for a one-week training camp in Dakar, Senegal, before connecting to Monrovia for an Africa Nations Cup Ghana-2008 qualifier against Liberia on October 8.


The 20-man delegation that includes 14 players and six officials leave Kigali International Airport at 09:30 aboard Kenya Airways. The delegation will connect to Dakar tomorrow, after spending a night in Nairobi.

The European based professional players, as well as three members of the U-20 will join the Amavubis in Dakar. The U-20s’ team is currently in Nigeria for Caf sanctioned Youth Championship qualifier against the hosts today.

 Ferwafa officials identified the U-20s named on the Amavubi squad as Yussuf Kayihura, Elias Uzamukunda and Girinshuti Mwemere

Head coach Michael Nees said yesterday that the week-long training camp in Dakar is part of his team’s preparation for the crunch tie against the West African side..

“We needed to acclimatize with the region’s whether conditions as well as getting a chance to play against some of the good teams, to enable us get a clear taste of what is expected,” the German told Times Sport.

Liberia has lined up eight professionals on their squad; and Nees said he was aware of the situation: “they have prepared for us just as we’ve prepared for them. They have called eight professionals, so they are not taking us lightly, and we are well aware of what to expect.”

Nees made some changes in the team that played Cameroon, dropping Emeran Fritz Nkusi, Jimmy Mulisa and Mike Yossam.

Travelling delegation;
Officials:
Boniface Sabimana [head of delegation], Michael Nees [head coach], Jean Baptist Kayiranga [assistant coach], Claude Ishimwe [goalkeeper’s coach], Gisanura Ngabo and Moussa Hakizimana [team doctors].


Players:
R. Nkunzingoma, JC. Ndoli, O. Uwingabire, A. Gaseruka, M. Mafisango, E. Ntaganda, B. Hategekimana, M. Kizito, H. Niyonzima, J. Witakenge, A. Mulenda, R. Ujeneza, J. Gatete and A. Sibomana.