Rwanda are looking for a new national team head coach after announcing they will not renew Vincent Mashami’s contract.
The Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) shocked the football fraternity in handing local coach Mashami a long-term contract in August 2018 after Antonio Hey resigned.
The 41-year-old Mashami biggest achievement came last year when he guided the Amavubi to the quarterfinals of the rescheduled African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020 finals in Cameroon.
However, the former APR FC coach failed to qualify Rwanda to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after they finished last in their qualification group with just one point.
FERWAFA confirmed the news in an official statement after Mashami’s departure had already been rumoured since last night.
“FERWAFA would like to inform the general public that the contract of the senior men’s National Team Head Coach Mr. Mashami Vincent will not be renewed following the expiry of its duration on 02/03/2022,” ” read the official statement by Rwanda FA.
“The new head coach recruitment process will be communicated in due course.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We take this opportunity to thank Mr. Mashami Vincent for his achievement during his tenure and wish him well for his future endeavors in his career as a football coach.”[/perfectpullquote]
Several names have since been mentioned in the succession battle for Mashami, with current USM Alger coach Zlatko Krmpotic rumored to be the favorite for Rwandese FA.
The 63-year-old has vast experience in coaching in Africa at club level, having handled APR of Rwanda, Zesco United (Zambia), Tout Puissant Mazembe (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Polokwane City in South Africa and Yanga of Tanzania.
He will now have an opportunity to showcase what he is capable of as the main task will be qualifying the East African nation for the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
