Smarting from a premature elimination from the road to the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup after being knocked out by Libya on 4-1 aggregate scoreline, Amavubi head coach John McKinstry is letting the past remain in the past while hunting for a better future in the forthcoming coming CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia.

“No one more than the players and staff want to rectify the present situation and the games against Ethiopia, Tanzania and Somalia, as well as those beyond in the knock out rounds offer us the opportunity to do so,” McKinstry told the federation’s website.

The regional tourney commences in Ethiopia from November 21st to December 6th with Amavubi who are in group A along side Rwanda,Tanzania and Somalia taking to the field against the hosts in the official opening match of the regional showpiece in Addis Ababa.

Apart from atonement,McKinstry will also be using the games to prepare his charges ahead of January 2016 CHAN which they host.

“That being said, Cecafa tournament also must be used to prepare for CHAN 2016 and in doing so, it means we must ensure some of the young and upcoming players in the squad are given good game time to prove themselves for the main event in January,”

“The players have been made aware that selection on the squad for CHAN will largely be based on their performances at CECAFA. Perform poorly over the coming weeks and they risk missing out in January. So we expect everyone to be fighting for their place in the team every day throughout our time in Ethiopia.” He added.

The 23-man team trained on Wednesday 18 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before Thursday evening departure.

McKinstry has has beefed up the national team with three new players namely Rayon Sport central defender Fiston Munezero who replaced Belgium-based professional defender Salomon Nirisarike, Gicumbi Fc left back Ivan Senyange who replaced Kenya’s Gor Mahia player Abouba Sibomana and Mukura’s striker Yussufu Habimana who came in Quentin Rushenguziminega’s (Laussane Sport) striking role.

Kenya are the defending champions having lifted the 2013 edition they hosted in Nairobi. The tournament did not take off in 2014 after would be hosts Ethiopia pulled out at the eleventh hour.

Rwanda 23-man Squad to Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup:

Goalkeepers: Ndayishimiye Eric (Rayon), Kwizera Olivier (APR Fc), Ndori Jean Claude (APR FC),

Defenders: Omborenga Fitina (SC Kiyovu), Ivan Senyange (Gicumbi Fc), Ndayishimiye Celestin (Mukura VS), Rwatubyaye Abdul (APR Fc), Rusheshangoga Michel (APR Fc), Bayisenge Emery (APR Fc), Munezero Fiston (Rayon), Usengimana Fasutin (APR Fc)

Midfielders: Mugiraneza Jean Baptiste (Azam, Tanzania), Mukunzi Yannick (APR Fc), Bizimana Djihad (APR Fc), Niyonzima Haruna (Young Africans), Ngomirakiza Hegman (Police Fc), Iranzi Jean Claude (APR Fc), Muhire Kevin (Rayon), Tuyisenge Jacques (Police Fc),Nshuti Savio Dominique (Rayon)

Forwards: Songa Isaie (Police Fc), Sugira Ernest (AS Kigali), Habimana Yussufu (Mukura VS).

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com