Constantine talks about unfinished Rwanda business

Newly-appointed Rwanda national team coach Stephen Constantine has explained why he opted to have a second stint with Amavubi.

The Englishman is no stranger to the East African country having managed Amavubi between 2012 and 2013 before picking another job with India national team on a four-year spell from 2015.

Having emerged the most successful out of 600 candidates for the job, Constantine has now explained why he felt compelled to have another go with the East African side.

Addressing the media during his unveiling on Monday as quoted by New Times, the former Malawi coach said he has unfinished business with Rwanda national team; hence, his comeback.

“I do have unfinished business in Rwanda,” he said. “We qualified for AFCON [Africa Cup of Nations] but later fell short, and now I am back to finish the job.”

“I am glad to be back here. I still believe we can do better, and I believe Rwanda can even be stronger that it was 11 years ago.”

Constantine will hit the ground running starting off with a match against Grenada during the FIFA International Series scheduled for Kigali later this month.

Constantine highly rated but…

The 63-year-old, who has left his job at Cypriot club APEA Akrotiri, is a man of reunions. He also rejoined India national team after his initial spell with the Asian nation.

A highly-rated coaches’ trainer boasting the UEFA Pro-Licence, Constantine is, beyond crediting himself with leading Rwanda to an improved ranking of 64, yet to achieve meaningful milestones such as qualifying for the World Cup and AFCON finals. Winning the LG Cup with India remains his only silverware to date.

In Malawi, the Flames plummeted to their worst ever ranking of 138 between 2007 and 2008 before the Englishman left the job.

Now back to Kigali with loads of experience, much is expected from the former Millwall FC player as he starts his job with the team that is currently ranked 130.

Last week, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced the appointment of Constantine as the senior and under-23 national team head coach on a two-year renewable contract.

FERWAFA says his “appointment reflects Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening football structures and achieving excellence on the continental and global stage.”