Rwanda qualified in 2011 for their first FIFA tournament, the U-17 World Cup, which caused quite a stir in the African nation. And while the Mexican adventure of the team ended in the first round after two defeats and a draw, the young Amavubi’s (The Wasps) performances bode well for Rwandan football’s future.
“It was a completely new challenge for me,” Emery Bayisenge said. “Our tournament preparation was very demanding, and to go up against England, Uruguay and Canada was surreal! I’ve faced a player as talented as Raheem Sterling – it’s something I often think about. And how can we forget the beauty of the stadiums in Mexico…”
Six months later, the defender was called to the senior national team, where today, at the age of 26, he is a big player and the 50 cap holder. His achievement is all the more remarkable when you know that of the generation from Mexico 2011, only a few have settled in the senior squad.
“I worked hard to remain strong and earn my place in the team. Playing abroad has helped me stay sharp and ready to serve my country,” According to Bayisenge, whose first port of call was Morocco (representing KAC Kenitra and JS Massira) in 2016, before moving to Bangladesh in 2019.
“We have a shot,” the rugged defender said of the draw for the second round, held on 21 January in Cairo. The player insisted their Group E was manageable, saying, “We’ve been pitted with two neighbouring countries, Kenya and Uganda, as well as Mali. I think we have what it takes to beat anyone in this group.”
And while Bayisenge concedes that the current side “is not necessarily the best we’ve ever known”, he has high hopes for the coming generation. “We have a good dynamic and our recent results suggest to me that better days lie ahead. If we can strengthen the current squad with young Rwandans who are growing up abroad and eligible to play for other countries, I see a bright future for the team.”
Reaching Qatar 2022 may still be a long way off but, as the Mexico 2011 generation showed, anything is possible.
