McKinstry for performance over reputation

In the wake of Rwanda’s 2-0 defeat to Zambia in an international friendly last Sunday in Lusaka, newly appointed Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry has insisted that performance in training rather than reputation will be crucial in the team selection in future.

The 29-year-old Irishman told supersport.com: “What I had seen in training was the basis for my team selection against Zambia," he said.

"Reputation does not play part (does not influence me) ). And this was an opportunity to make it clear to the players that they ought to perform. Now the players know that.”

McKinstry handed youngster Olivier Kwizera a rare start in goal ahead of Jean Luc Ndayishimiye, who has been between the sticks since first choice Jean Claude Ndoli suffered a knee injury.

Upcoming impressive creative midfielder Djihad Bizimana started ahead of experienced veteran Jean Claude Iranzi as well as forward Bertrand Iradukunda up front as a lone striker.

Justin Mico and Patrick Sibomana were also named on the starting line-up to occupy the right and left wings respectively in a bid to implement his attacking philosophy that gave the duo opportunity to attack from the flanks in the build up to goal scoring opportunities.

“This was a very young starting line-up and plaudits for Olivier. He is very good physically because he is athletic and dynamic. He held the ball and crossed it and he does not punch away the ball like many other goalkeepers who fear to hold the ball. It takes a lot of confidence to come out and catch the ball,” explained McKinstry.

The coach also hailed Bizimana and Iradukunda. Veterans Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Iranzi, James Tubane and Ndayishimiye were the surprise names on the substitutes bench for the first of many friendly matches this year in preparation for the 2016 African Nations Championship that will be hosted in Rwanda.