The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has confirmed that Torsten Frank Spittler, head coach of the national football team, Amavubi, will not continue in his role.
The announcement, made late Tuesday, January 21, 2025, comes after weeks of discussions between the German coach and FERWAFA regarding a possible contract extension.
“Following various discussions with Torsten Frank Spittler, the Head Coach of the National Team, Amavubi, it has been decided not to renew his contract,” FERWAFA stated.
The federation assured fans that a new coach would be announced soon to take over the reins of the national team.
Spittler’s tenure, which began amid skepticism due to his lack of experience with top-level teams, saw him gradually win over some fans. However, he leaves without securing major achievements for the team. Under his leadership, Amavubi failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In his one-year stint, Spittler oversaw 14 matches, securing six wins, four draws, and four losses, resulting in a win rate of 42.86%. Notably, he steered the team to lead Group C in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When placed alongside his predecessors, Spittler’s record holds up moderately well. For instance: Vincent Mashami (2018–2021) had a win rate of 30% in his first 20 matches and Stephen Constantine (2014–2015) managed a win rate of 45% in 11 games.
While Spittler’s performance didn’t deliver major tournament qualifications, his ability to position Rwanda as a contender in the World Cup qualifiers stands out as a bright spot.
James Muhizi, a long-time Amavubi fan, lamented, ‘He may not have won us trophies, but he brought hope to the team.'”
As FERWAFA begins its search for a new coach, the spotlight turns to how Rwanda can build on its current momentum to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Despite mixed reactions to his departure, the focus now shifts to FERWAFA’s next appointment as fans anticipate new leadership to guide Amavubi to greater heights.
As FERWAFA begins its search for a new coach, the spotlight turns to how Rwanda can build on its current momentum to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The men’s national football team, known as Amavubi, has been led by 25 head coaches since its inception. The coaching history is as follows:
1. Otto Pfister (1972–1976)
2. Metin Türel (1991)
3. Longin Rudasingwa (1998–1999)
4. Rudi Gutendorf (1999–2000)
5. Longin Rudasingwa (2000–2001)
6. Ratomir Dujković (2001–2004)
7. Roger Palmgren (2004–2005)
8. Michael Nees (2006–2007)
9. Josip Kuže (2007–2008)
10. Raoul Shungu (2008)
11. Branko Tucak (2008–2009)
12. Eric Nshimiyimana (2009–2010)
13. Sellas Tetteh (2010–2011)
14. Milutin Sredojević (2011–2013)
15. Eric Nshimiyimana (2013–2014)
16. Stephen Constantine (2014–2015)
17. Lee Johnson (2015)
18. Johnny McKinstry (2015–2016)
19. Gilbert Kanyankore (2016)
20. Jimmy Mulisa (2016)
21. Antoine Hey (2017–2018)
22. Vincent Mashami (2018–2022)
23. Carlos Alós (2022–2023)
24. Gerard Buscher (2023)
25. Torsten Spittler (2023–2025)
This list includes both permanent and interim head coaches who have led the national team over the years.
