WAFCON 2022: We Can Beat Super Falcons – Burundi Coach, Niyonkuru

Burundi’s head coach Gustave Niyonkuru has said his team is prepared to prove a point at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

While sharing his final squad on Thursday morning, Niyonkuru made it clear they have worked on several aspects and should be able to five a good account when the tournament takes place July 2-23rd.

The Burundi team is placed in Group C alongside Botswana, South Africa and record winners Nigeria.

He made it clear that playing in the regional CECAFA Senior Championship 2022 where they finished second to hosts Uganda was a good wake-up call. “The CECAFA tournament exposed us in some departments and now we are working hard to improve to have a well balanced team,” added the coach.

“We know some of the teams we are going to face have a lot of experience, but we shall approach every game like a final,” added Niyonkuru.

The coach has also included two players who ply their trade in Sweden Salha Nahayo and Cheilla Ineza, together with Switzerland based Guinand Saffira who features for FC Yverdon.

Burundi will open their Group C campaign against Botswana on July 4th at the Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat. They will battle South Africa in the second match after three days, before facing a tough test against Nigeria on July 10th.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Belinda Ndoreraho (La Colombe FC), Ariella Umurerwa (La Colombe FC), Amissa Inarunkundo (PVP Buyenzi), Jeanine Irakoze (Fofila FF)

Defenders: Charlotte Irankunda (Fofila PF), Diane Irankunda (Fofila PF), Suzanne Zilfa (PVP Buyenzi), Angelique Keza (Inyange Buja Queen), Nasra Nahimana (PVP Buyenzi), Rachelle Bukuru (The Tigers Queens, Tanzania), Annociate Nshimirimana (PVP Buyenzi), Djazila Uwineza (Fofila PF), Salha Nduwayo (Huksvarna FF, Sweden), Saffira Guinand (FC Yverdon, Switzerland),

Midfielders: Asha Djafari (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Joelle Bukuru (Simba Queens, Tanzania), Cheilla Ineza (Huksvarna FF, Sweden), Peace Olga Niyomwungere (La Colombe FC), Erica Kanyamuneza (PVP Buyenzi), Esperance Habonimana (Inyange Buja Queen)

Forwards: Rukiya Bizimana (Etoile du Matin), Aniella Uwimana (Young Princess, Tanzania), Gloris Gakiza (La Colombe FC), Falone Nahimana (Huddersfield TAFC, England), Sandrine Niyonkuru (Fountaingate Schools, Tanzania), Bora Ineza (Fofila PF)