Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwandan trio of Nelson Irumva, Barthazar Ndayishimiye and David Okoce have been making waves since joining the Bayern Munich Academy in Germany.
The trio in September 2024 moved to FC Bayern Global Academy after successfully passing trials conducted by Bayern Munich Rwanda Academy. The academy was set up in Rwanda through a partnership deal signed between the German giants and Visit Rwanda.
The FC Bayern Global Academy is one of the Academies within the domain of Bayern Munich FC. It is a unique program where young talents solely from countries outside Germany are brought together to take their next step in becoming professional footballers.
The special Academy program has players from all over the world who are being integrated into the Bayern Munich system.
After graduating from the FC Bayern Pathway, a player is eligible to sign a professional contract with the German giants.
Bayern Munich has over the years been a good developmental ground for African players. Ghanaian legend Samuel Osei Kuffour who is arguably the best African player to don the jersey of the Bavarians was snapped up at the age of 17. He went on to become a key player of the team winning six Bundesliga titles, one Champions League title, one Intercontinental Cup and four DFB Pokal trophies.
Bayern have had African players in their Academy in subsequent years, they even had Rwanda’s Jonathan Nsanzimana but the right back faded out despite having good potential. At 22, Nsanzimana is now playing for FC Pullach in the German 6th tier league.
A new generation of African players is emerging at Bayern Munich through their FC Bayern Global Academy and chief among them is 17-year-old Ndayishimiye as well as Irumva and Okoce who are both aged 16.
Ndayishimiye who plays as a forward alongside Irumva who is a winger and midfielder David Okoce have played key roles in the FC Bayern Pathway Academy as the team has gone 26 games in all competitions unbeaten. They have been ever present in the team with Ndayishimiye and Irumva being starters while Okoce sometimes comes on in the second half if he doesn’t start.
Ndayishimiye has scored 7 goals while Irumva and Okoce have netted twice each. Irumva scored a wonder goal in the 5-5 draw with Ismaning FC on April 9. The long range screamer received commendable reviews in the German press.
Gradually, the trio is progressing and they have to keep up the momentum if they have plans of making it to a professional level at Bayern Munich.
The future of Rwandan football is gradually taking shape. If the three players are able to make it to the first team of Bayern Munich in some years to come, it will be great news for Amavubi as they will contribute a lot to the national team.
Africa abounds in talents who have the tendency to play and shine at the biggest stage. With the trio having a perfect platform to get to the apex of world football, they should only keep focused, maintain the momentum or even strive harder.
Don’t be surprised to see Ndayishimiye, Irumva and Okoce in the Bayern Munich first team in a couple of years to come.
David Okoce during a training session at FC Bayern Munich Global Academy.
Nelson Irumva celebrates his stunning long range drive with a teammate in FC Bayern Pathway Academy pulsating 5-5 draw with Ismaning FC on April 9-courtesy
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