The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has seen off a 24-player squad that will represent the country at the 2025 CECAFA U17 championship, set to kick off in Ethiopia this week.
The tournament, organized under the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), serves as a regional qualifying competition for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON U17) to be hosted in Morocco.
The junior Amavubi team was officially flagged off on Sunday evening, November 9, 2025, in a ceremony presided over by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice, who urged the players to display discipline, teamwork, and resilience as they represent Rwanda on the continental stage.
“This is an opportunity not just to play football, but to carry the national flag with pride. The federation has confidence in this team’s potential to compete at the highest level,” Shema said during the send-off event held at FERWAFA headquarters in Kigali.
Building the next generation of talent
The 24-player squad comprises a blend of locally scouted talents drawn from various academies and schools across the country.
Goalkeepers Irakaza Don Divin, Habimana Jacques, and Inezaye Prince Gedeon will guard the posts, while the defense line features Niyonzima Muhudi, Shyaka Khalifa, Niyompano Pacifique, Gisubizo Emmanuel, Ishimwe Fred, Judah Fisher Anderson, and Mukiza Cyusa Lanny.
In midfield, the team will rely on the creativity and control of Karibu Gustave, Gisubizo Patrick, Micomyiza Norbet, Ntwali Sharif, Dushime Jean Claude, and Musabyimana Joseph.
The attacking force includes Kwihangana Elyse, Mugunga Daniel, Uwizeye Remy Bienfaiteur, Iradukunda Patrick, Nshimiyimana Olivier, Bizimana Umugiraneza Didier, Bagabo Enzo, and Jayden Shema Heylen.
Ahead of their departure to Ethiopia on Monday morning, the young players interacted with members of the coaching staff and former Amavubi internationals, including veteran defender Bayisenge Emery, who represented Rwanda at the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico.
Bayisenge shared words of encouragement, reminding the players of the responsibility that comes with wearing national colors and the long-term career possibilities that can stem from youth tournaments.
Rwanda’s group and tournament format
Rwanda has been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The top three teams from the CECAFA U17 Championship will secure automatic qualification for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco, which also serves as a pathway to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
The competition, expected to feature over ten teams from the East and Central African region, provides a crucial platform for young players to gain international exposure and experience.
For Rwanda, participation in this year’s edition is seen as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its youth football structure and nurture the next generation of national team players.
Rwanda’s youth football ambitions
In recent years, FERWAFA has intensified efforts to invest in grassroots football development through school programs, youth leagues, and partnerships with international football development bodies.
These initiatives are aligned with Rwanda’s broader sports development agenda, which seeks to use football as a tool for talent growth, education, and national pride.
Rwanda’s previous best performance in the CECAFA U17 tournament came in 2018 when the Amavubi Cadets reached the semifinals. The current squad will aim to surpass that achievement and secure qualification for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The CECAFA U17 Championship is expected to run throughout November, with matches hosted in Addis Ababa and other selected Ethiopian cities.
