Rwanda national team coach Adel Amrouche has expressed concern over goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s lack of playing time at Kaizer Chiefs, urging the Soweto giants to either give him minutes on the field or release him to continue his growth elsewhere.
Since joining Chiefs from TS Galaxy last season, Ntwari has been benched, with Brandon Petersen firmly holding the number one spot. The Rwandan international has spent much of his time on the bench, a situation that Amrouche believes is stifling the potential of one of Africa’s most talented goalkeepers.
Despite his club struggles, Ntwari remains a trusted figure in Rwanda’s setup and is expected to start in goal when Amavubi take on South Africa in a World Cup qualifier tonight at Mbombela Stadium. His steady performances for the national team have made him an undisputed starter under Amrouche, who has publicly lauded the player’s dedication and discipline.
“Fiacre is among the best goalkeepers on the continent,” Amrouche said during a media briefing ahead of the match. “He is talented, humble, and professional. I understand the choices made by coaches at club level, but a player of his calibre deserves to play regularly.”
The Rwandan coach revealed that he has been in contact with Chiefs’ goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi to ensure Ntwari remains fit and mentally sharp despite his limited game time. Amrouche, however, maintained that continued inactivity could harm the player’s progress and confidence.
“He loves Kaizer Chiefs and respects the team, but if he’s not going to play, then the best thing is to let him go where he can express his talent. A player like Fiacre should not be left to waste on the bench,” Amrouche insisted.
Amrouche’s remarks highlight a growing debate about the fate of African goalkeepers in top clubs, where competition for starting roles often sidelines promising talent. For now, Ntwari continues to shine for Rwanda, but his future at Chiefs appears increasingly uncertain.
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