On January 21, 2025, the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) announced that Frank Spittler’s contract as the head coach of the Amavubi would not be renewed. This decision followed a 14-month tenure characterized by both highs and lows.
Having arrived in Rwanda in November 2023, Spittler achieved commendable milestones backed by statistics, though his time as coach also saw some challenges.
His coaching style was widely praised for
instilling a structured and attacking approach to the Amavubi’s play. This marked
a departure from the past, where the team struggled to score due to a lack of
attacking intent.
From his debut match on November 15, 2023 a
0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
qualifiers held in Huye, Spittler coached the Amavubi in 14 matches across all
competitions. Of these, the team won six games, lost four, and drew four.
Among these matches were six in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where Rwanda won two, drew two, and lost two, collecting eight points out of a possible 18.
Despite finishing third
in their group and missing qualification by a goal difference of two, the
team's performance showed significant improvement compared to previous
campaigns.
Spittler also coached four matches in the
2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team won two, drew one, and lost one.
This left the Amavubi at the top of their group with seven points in a pool
featuring strong teams like second-placed South Africa and fifth-placed Nigeria
out of six teams.
During his year-long tenure, Frank Spittler will be remembered as the first coach in Amavubi history to defeat Nigeria, a feat achieved on their home turf.
This historic win occurred on November 11,
2024, during the final round of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where Rwanda
triumphed 2-1, though they failed to secure qualification.
Another remarkable victory was the 2-0 win
against South Africa on November 21, 2023, in Huye during the second matchday
of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
However, Spittler’s tenure also saw a low
point during the first leg of the preliminary round of the 2024 African Nations
Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, where Rwanda suffered a 1-0 home loss to
Djibouti at Stade Amahoro. Despite labeling it as "no embarrassment,"
he later redeemed the team with a commanding 3-0 victory in the return leg.
Frank Spittler was known for his straightforward approach and for tackling issues head-on. During his time, he made several bold decisions, including dropping some players due to differences or lack of mutual agreement.
Notable absentees included Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York, while
others like Hakizimana Muhadjili were often questioned but excluded due to
Spittler’s policy of not fielding players who dictated terms.
The Amavubi are currently without a head
coach as they prepare to host Lesotho and Nigeria in March 2025 for the fourth
and fifth matchdays of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Trosten Frank Spitller Statistics as Amavubi head Coach
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