Bayern Munich Academy Rwanda Dominates Rwanda U17 Squad for CECAFA U17 Tournament
The Bayern Munich Academy Rwanda has made a significant impact by having the highest number of players selected for the Rwanda U17 squad that recently traveled to Ethiopia on Monday, November 10. The team is set to participate in the CECAFA U17 tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U17). The competition will take place from November 15 to December 2 at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa Stadium.
Sosthene Habimana’s U17 team has been placed in Group A alongside the hosts Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The group stage will see intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round, with the champions and the first and second runners-up qualifying to represent the CECAFA Zone at the AFCON U17 2026.
Key Players and Clubs Represented
FC Bayern Munich Academy has nine representatives in the squad, making it the most represented club. Tony Academy, Umuri Foundation, owned by former Rwanda international Jimmy Mulisa, and Gasogi United each have three players in the team. The local football governing body also invited foreign-based players to join the squad, including Judah Fisher of Sacramento Republic in the United States, Lanny Mukiza of CS LaSalle in Canada, Joseph Musabyimana of RFC Seraing, Enzo Bagabo of RWDM, and Jayden Heylen Shema of KV Mechelen in Belgium.
Group A will be playing at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, while Group B, featuring defending champions Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi, will be based at Dire Dawa Stadium. The competition promises to be highly competitive, with teams showcasing their talent on the international stage.
Detailed Traveling Squad
The traveling squad includes:
Goalkeepers:
– Don Divin Irakaza
– Jacques Habimana
– Prince Gedeon Inezaye
Defenders:
– Lanny Cyusa Mukiza
– Khalifa Shyaka
– Judah Fisher Anderson
– Pacifique Niyompano
– Emmanuel Gisubizo
– Fred Ishimwe
– Muhudi Niyonzima
Midfielders:
– Gustave Karibu
– Patrick Gisubizo
– Norbert Micomyiza
– Sharif Ntwali
– Jean Claude Dushime
– Joseph Musabyimana
Forwards:
– Elysee Kwihangana
– Patrick Iradukunda
– Olivier Nshimiyimana
– Daniel Mugunga
– Enzo Bagabo
– Bienfeteur Remy Uwizeye
– Didier Umugiraneza Bizimana
– Jayden Heylen Shema
Significance of the Tournament
The CECAFA U17 tournament is not just a competition but a crucial step for young talents aiming to represent their country on a larger platform. For many players, this tournament offers an opportunity to gain international exposure and potentially attract attention from European clubs. The participation of foreign-based players adds another layer of competitiveness and diversity to the squad.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these young talents perform under pressure. With the stakes high, the Rwanda U17 team will need to showcase not only their technical skills but also their mental strength and teamwork.