Adel Amrouche on a Mission to Make Rwanda Africa’s Best in Football
Mar 3, 2025
Adel Amrouche (left) shakes hands with Rwandan FA President Munyantwali Alphonse at Kigali Pele Stadium during his unveiling as national team coach on March 2, 2025.
Algerian coach Adel Amrouche, the newly appointed head coach of Rwanda’s national football team (Amavubi), has declared his ambition to turn Rwandan football into the best in Africa. He stressed that, together with his assistant coaches, he will draw inspiration from Rwanda’s remarkable development to elevate the country’s football.
Amrouche outlined this vision during a press conference at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, March 2, 2025, marking his official start in the role.
Challenging Selection Process
Munyantwali Alphonse, President of the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA), revealed that choosing the new coach had been challenging due to the high number of applicants. He stated,
“We had not had a coach for some time. The selection process was tough because many candidates applied. Now that he is here, we believe we have made the right choice.”
“Each staff member has signed a two-year contract, and given the upcoming competitions, we have set specific targets for them,”
Munyantwali added, underlining the expectations set for Amrouche and his team.
Opportunities for Local Players
Amrouche has pledged to give every talented Rwandan player a chance, aiming to propel the nation’s football to the next level. He said,
“I know Rwanda, I know the players here, and I am familiar with clubs like APR that compete internationally. There are things I already understand about Rwandan football. One thing people should know about me is that I am known for selecting players from second-division teams and giving them a chance in the national team.”
“Everyone will get an opportunity because the national team belongs to all Rwandans,”
he added, emphasizing an inclusive approach to team selection.
Inspired by Rwanda’s Progress
Having coached multiple teams in the past, Amrouche believes that Rwanda’s dramatic development and rise on the global stage can be mirrored in its football achievements.
“I admire Rwanda because it is a country that has rebuilt itself. I appreciate President Paul Kagame for what he has done. Rwanda has become a strong nation in Africa, and I am confident that, working together, we can make its football the best on the continent.”
Collaborating with Local Coaches
Amrouche also highlighted the importance of empowering local coaches.
“I also enjoy working with local coaches in any country I go to because coaching is not only about developing players but also about sharing knowledge with the existing coaches,”
he noted. In this spirit, he added that he looks forward to working closely with Eric Nshimiyimana—whom he has known for years—and Dr. Carolin Braun, with whom he has previously worked in other national team setups.
Under the new coaching structure, Nshimiyimana, in addition to serving as Amrouche’s assistant, will take charge of Rwanda’s U-20 and U-23 teams. Meanwhile, the women’s national team will be overseen by Cassa Mbungo Andre, ensuring that all levels of Rwandan football benefit from experienced guidance.
