By Updater
Rwanda national football team head coach Frank Spittler Torsten has voiced his concern over the growing dominance of foreign players in the local league, noting that it hampers his ability to identify and nurture the best Rwandan talents.
In January, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) made a decision to raise the cap on foreign players allowed in the league from five to six, with plans underway to potentially increase this number to eight on the field and 12 in the team roster.
Speaking to the media on Friday, March 15 ahead of a national team training session, Spittler said the high numbers of foreign players often results in limited playing time for their Rwandan counterparts. With this, he challenged the regulation that allows teams to use high numbers of foreign players.
“The rule allowing an increased number of foreign players on the field doesn’t sit well with me,” he noted, citing APR’s Gilbert Mugisha as one of the local players who are being underutilised due to the competition for a starting berth at his club.
“Despite his consistent excellence on the field and in training, he is not getting regular playtime at his club,” Spittler added.
Rwanda is currently gearing up for two friendly matches, against Botswana and Madagascar on March 22 and 25 respectively.
Currently, 38 players have been selected for the national team, with 24 representing domestic clubs
Lucky van Rukundo