Rwanda international Joy-Lance Mickels, who plays for Sabah FK and has made history as the first Rwandan to feature in the UEFA Champions League, has urged fellow footballers to remain determined and keep believing in their dreams.
“Never stop believing. Keep working even when things become very difficult. That is how I made it as a footballer. Believe in God and continue to believe in yourself,” Mickels said.
He made the remarks on Monday, September 21, 2026, after arriving at Kigali International Airport in Kanombe to join the Rwanda national team, Amavubi, ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Speaking about Amavubi, the striker said the team’s objective is to return Rwanda to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004. He also called on Rwandans to turn out in large numbers for the match against Liberia at Amahoro Stadium on September 25.
Mickels arrived in Kigali alongside defender Ange Mutsinzi, making them the first group of overseas-based players to join the national team after Innocent Nshuti, who arrived early Monday morning.
Emmanuel Imanishimwe, known as Mangwende, has also arrived in Kigali. Other overseas-based players expected to join the squad on Monday include Gilbert Mugisha, Abeddy Biramahire, Clement Niyigena, Kevin Muhire, Taiba Mbonyumwami, Fiacre Ntwari, Bonheur Mugisha, Darryl Nkulikiyimana, Phanuel Kavita, Samuel Gueulette, Noam Emeran and Jojea Kwizera.
Three more players — Leroy-Jacques Mickels, Joy-Slayd Mickels and captain Djihad Bizimana — are expected to arrive on Tuesday, September 22.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has announced ticket prices for the Liberia match, ranging from Rwf2,000 for the cheapest ticket to Rwf1 million for the most expensive.
After hosting Liberia, Rwanda will face Cape Verde away on September 29.
Rwanda is in Group K alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia, with the top two teams set to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
