BUJUMBURA July 2nd (ABP) – The first lady of the country, Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, visited on Tuesday, June 28, the women’s national football team before that team goes to Morocco for its 1st participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Nations (CAN).
The 1st lady took advantage of her visit to congratulate players of the Intamba national team for the step taken, considering that they have raised the consideration of the Burundian woman by qualifying for the CAN final. She then gave a series of advice to the players of Intamba mu Rugamba. Thus, she called on the players to discipline on the pitch, a quality that she considered very important to hope to move forward and also win the title.
Mrs. Ndayishimiye also called on the Burundian selection to respect the staff, listen and put into practice the directives which will be intended for them. Finally, she said that they have her full support and that of all Burundian citizens, taking the opportunity to wish them a good trip and a safe return.
On her part, Diane Iradukunda, deputy captain of Intamba mu Rugamba, thanked the 1st lady for her gesture, which showed them that they had support from Burundians. She promised to do everything to honor the country.
According to their coach Gustave Niyonkuru, the national team had time to prepare for continental competition during their participation in the East African National Teams Competition (CECAFA). The competition was attended by 8 teams, Burundi reached the final and was defeated by host country Uganda, a good performance for them.
Burundi is in Group C with Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana. For the national coach, Burundi can defeat Botswana which will also participate for its first time and can hope to have a good match with South Africa. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the Nigerians are too strong given their record. They have participated in 9 editions of the World Cup since 1991, they won 10 out of 12 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations since 1991. Note that the national team composed of 21 players flew on Wednesday for Morocco. They will play their first match with Botswana on July 4th.