Rwanda's Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire has expressed her commitment to resolving issues affecting the national football team, Amavubi, following their challenging three-day journey from Praia to Kigali. The team had been on a tough trip, with Kapiteni Bizimana Djihad and Joy-Lance Mickels highlighting several concerns, including inadequate financial support and poor travel conditions.
The Amavubi team had recently achieved a significant 2-1 victory over Cap-Vert, which has boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the team's journey to Kigali was marked by difficulties, with players expressing frustration over long travel times and inadequate financial support. The team's captain, Bizimana Djihad, requested that the government address these issues to enable the team to focus on their upcoming matches.
One of the key concerns raised by the team was the inadequate financial support provided to them. Bizimana Djihad mentioned that the team receives only Frw 500,000 (approximately $625) every three months, which is insufficient for their needs. Additionally, the team had not received the $2000 (approximately Frw 3 million) FIFA Series allowance, which was promised to them. The players also requested better travel conditions, citing the long and tiring journey from Praia to Kigali.
The team's coach, Stephen Constantine, also expressed concerns over the team's lack of uniforms, which forced them to wear different colored jerseys during their recent match. The issue is expected to be resolved soon, as new uniforms have been imported from Masita and are expected to arrive in Kigali soon. The team's players and officials have been working to address these issues, with Minister Mukazayire pledging to provide support to the team.
Minister Mukazayire has promised to address the concerns raised by the team, including providing a special flight for the team's upcoming match against Mali in November. The minister also assured the team that the government would work to resolve the financial support issues and provide the team with the necessary resources to compete effectively. The Amavubi team is set to face Kenya in a friendly match on October 5, 2026, at the Amahoro Stadium.
The team's upcoming match against Mali will be a crucial one, with the team seeking to build on their recent victory over Cap-Vert. The match is scheduled to take place in Bamako, Mali, and Minister Mukazayire has promised to provide a special flight for the team. The team's players and officials are optimistic that the government's support will help them to achieve their goals and qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Amavubi team's fans can purchase tickets for their upcoming match against Kenya through the *939*3*2# code or on the website www.sportspass.rw. Ticket prices range from Frw 2000 for standard seats to Frw 1,000,000 for Skybox seats. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting the match, which promises to be an exciting one.
Key points
- Minister Nelly Mukazayire has pledged to address concerns raised by the Amavubi team, including providing a special flight for their upcoming match against Mali.
- The Amavubi team has achieved a significant 2-1 victory over Cap-Vert, boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The team's players have raised concerns over inadequate financial support and poor travel conditions, which have affected their performance.
