Burundi coach Olivier Niyungeko Alain has named a team of 32 to start preparations, Monday, November 7, 2016 for this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
The oldest regional tournament in Africa could be staged in Kenya and not Sudan, as was previously rumoured, starting end of November. The official kick-off date and host country should be confirmed soon, according to sources within CECAFA secretariat, in Nairobi.
In the provisional home-based-squad, Niyungeko has included a good number of U20 players, with an aim of building a team for 2018 CHAN qualifiers – starting next year.
He told the media that if need be he will call foreign based professionals to beef-up the team.
Probed why he omitted Vital’O trio of Steve Nzigamasambo, Iddy Djumapili and Kadogo despite their current fine form, the gaffer explained that the national team is open to every player and that in case there will be need for their services, then they will be summoned.
Niyungeko is seeking at least three days per week training regime of two hours each, to help him shape the team.
The provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Nahimana Jonathan (Vital’O), Mutombo Fabien (Lydia Ludic), Nininahazwe Bievenue (Messenger Ngozi), Ndikuriyo Patient (Aigles Noirs), Rugumandiye Yvan (Musongati)
Central defenders: Suleyman Mustafa (Aigles Noirs), Moussa Omar, Ndizeye Samuel (Athletico Olympic), Nshimirimana David (Vital’O), Ndoriyobija Eric (Lydia Ludic)
Full backs: Nahimana Steve (Aigles Noirs), Guy Chancel, Harerimana Rashid Leon (Lydia Ludic), Kashindi Joseph (Inter Star), Nyandwi Innocent (Magara)
Defensive midfielders: Urasenga Cedric Danny (Messenger Ngozi), Ntirwaza Sudi (Musongati FC), Ndikumana Moussa (Athletico Olympic), Ndayishimiye Yousouf (Aigles Noirs), Mbirizi Eric (Bujumbura City), Uwimana Messo (Lydia Ludic)
Offensive midfielders: Nsabumukama Enock (Messenger Ngozi), Idi Saidi Djuma, Andre Tokoto (Lydia Ludic), Duhayindavyi Gael (Vital’O), Rukundo Terence (Aigles Noirs)
Strikers: Lomeya Magloire (Olympic Star), Bimenyimana Caleb (Vital’O), Ndarusanze Jean Claude (Lydia Ludic), Hakizimana Alexis Kitenge (Athletico Olympic), Bigirimana Hassan (Aigles Noirs).
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