{"id":2000106181,"date":"2026-03-23T11:12:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/?p=2000106181"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:12:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:12:15","slug":"amavubi-begin-preparations-for-fifa-series-2026-in-kigali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/amavubi-begin-preparations-for-fifa-series-2026-in-kigali\/","title":{"rendered":"Amavubi begin preparations for FIFA Series 2026 in Kigali"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The squad assembled on Sunday evening at the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) hotel in Kigali, marking the start of residential training as the team gears up for the international tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the early arrivals are several foreign-based players, including three brothers leading the attacking line: Mickels Joy Slayd (FK Karvan), Mickels Joy Lance (Saba Baku), and Mickels Leroy Jacques (Zira FK).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are joined by a strong contingent of internationals such as Innocent Nshuti (Al Wafaq Ajdabia), Djihad Bizimana (CS Constantine), David Niyo (NK Veres Rivne), Kevin Muhire (Jamus SC), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira FK), Abeddy Biramahire (Assabah FC), Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye (KVC Wilrijk), and Johan Marvin Kury (AC Bellinzona).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Locally based players have also reported to camp, with APR FC contributing Gilbert Byiringiro, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Adolphe Hakizimana, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro, Yunusu Nshimiyimana, and Claude Niyomugabo, while Police FC is represented by Patience Niyongira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The squad was received by head coach Stephen Constantine, alongside assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana, who played a key role in assembling the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kigali will host the FIFA Series tournament for the first time, with Rwanda set to open their campaign against Grenada at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106182\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Among the early arrivals are several foreign-based players, including three brothers leading the attacking line: Mickels Joy Slayd (FK Karvan), Mickels Joy Lance (Saba Baku), and Mickels Leroy Jacques (Zira FK).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8oaiaavxn4-d832d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106197\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kury Johan Marvin has once again responded to Amavubi\u2019s call-up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri7sw8aaxjy2-26004.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106196\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Djihad Bizimana is ready to inspire Amavubi once more as captain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8tbyaaxdvg-9d4d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106195\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ruboneka Jean Bosco and Mugisha Gilbert checked in together for Amavubi duty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106194\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niyo David, who plays for NK Veres Rivne FC in Ukraine, was among the first to report to camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106193\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amavubi goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana checks in at camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106192\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Mickels Joy Lance will play for Rwanda for the first time.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106190\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Innocent Nshuti is expected to lead Amavubi\u2019s scoring efforts.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Amavubi-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106189\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Abeddy Biramahire of Assabah FC is among Rwanda\u2019s top forwards.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106187\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Kevin Muhire, who plays for Jamus in South Sudan, has arrived in Rwanda.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106186\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Zira FK\u2019s Ange Mutsinzi set to strengthen Rwanda\u2019s defence.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106185\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jean Bosco Ruboneka has also joined the Amavubi training camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1246\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106184\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye of KVC Wilrijk has also arrived in Rwanda for training.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106183\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Yunusu Nshimiyimana has joined the Amavubi training camp.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"1077\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/amavubi-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000106188\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The squad was received by head coach Stephen Constantine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rwanda\u2019s national team, Amavubi, has officially entered camp ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, with preparations kicking off on Monday, March 23, 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000106182,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[151,69],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000106181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-editors-choice","tag-homehighlights","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":131}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":131}],"featured_image":{"id":2000106182,"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":1000,"height":800,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","width":150,"height":120},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","width":300,"height":240},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","width":768,"height":614},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","width":1000,"height":800},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hedri8lawaa1ufj-c83b7.jpg","width":1000,"height":800}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000106181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2000106181"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000106181\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2000106212,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000106181\/revisions\/2000106212"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000106182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2000106181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2000106181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2000106181"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=2000106181"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=2000106181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}