Stephen Constantine Returns to Rwanda as Amavubi Gear Up for FIFA Series

New Rwanda National Team, coach Stephen Constantine

Constantine returns to Rwanda as head coach, preparing the national team for the upcoming FIFA Series. Ruwanda gears up for the FIFA Series, facing off against Kenya, Estonia, and Grenada in Kigali.

Ruwanda prepares to take on tough opponents in the FIFA Series, with Stephen Constantine leading the charge...

Stephen Constantine has been appointed as the new head coach of Rwanda's senior men's national team (Amavubi) and U-23 team on a two-year renewable contract. The 63-year-old English tactician will take charge for the second time, replacing Adel Amrouche, who was fired in January.

Constantine previously managed Rwanda from May 2014 to January 2015 and is credited with guiding the team to its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 64th. His main objectives include qualifying Rwanda for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and potentially leading the team to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

Constantine will officially start his role on March 16, 2026, and will prepare the team for the upcoming FIFA Series Tournament in Kigali.

Adel Amrouche took the reins of Rwanda's national team in March 2025, replacing German coach Torsten Spittler who departed in December 2024. During his tenure, Rwanda achieved its highest-ever ranking of 68th position. However, Amrouche was let go in January 2026 due to contractual breaches, paving the way for Stephen Constantine's appointment.

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) expressed confidence in Constantine's leadership, stating that his appointment reflects Rwanda's commitment to strengthening football structures and achieving excellence globally. Constantine, a 63-year-old English tactician, will officially start his role on March 16, 2026, and prepare the team for the FIFA Series in Kigali.

Constantine to Start Role on Monday

“His appointment reflects Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening football structures and achieving excellence on the continental and global stage,” read part of the communication from FERWAFA.

The statement added: “Constantine will assume the Amavubi coaching role on Monday, March 16, 2026, and will work with the existing team to prepare the upcoming FIFA Series Tournament due later this month in Kigali City.

“FERWAFA expresses full confidence in Coach Constantine’s leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing Rwanda’s football ambitions.

“The Federation calls upon all stakeholders, partners, supporters, and football fans to unite behind the national team as we embark on this important and transformative journey.”

The statement concluded: “Further details regarding the appointment, technical plans, and strategic roadmap will be shared during an official press conference scheduled for next week.”

Stephen Constantine Returns to Rwanda with FIFA Series on the Horizon

Stephen Constantine is set to begin his second tenure as Rwanda's head coach, preparing the team for the upcoming FIFA Series in Kigali. This will be his second stint with the Amavubi, having previously managed the team from May 2014 to January 2015. During his initial tenure, he guided Rwanda to its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 64th. Constantine's experience and expertise are expected to boost Rwanda's football ambitions, with goals to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and potentially the FIFA World Cup.

Stephen Constantine's first stint as Rwanda's head coach was marked by ambitious goals, including building a team strong enough to challenge for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Rwanda was set to host. During his tenure, Rwanda achieved its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 68th position.

However, Constantine's time in Rwanda was cut short as he was linked with a return to India as their new national manager in December 2014, and was officially offered the position in early January 2015. This led to his departure from Rwanda, marking the end of his first tenure as head coach.

IT’s OFFICIAL!

Stephen Constantine is the head coach of the Rwanda national football team @RwandaAmavubi https://t.co/JAahhKNegF pic.twitter.com/P7RMs3yGb6

— IMFURAYACU Jean Luc (@imfuraluc01) March 12, 2026

Constantine to Kick Off Rwanda Mission on March 16th

Stephen Constantine will officially start his role as Rwanda's head coach on March 16th, with the primary focus on preparing the team for the upcoming FIFA Series in Kigali (March 26-31). Rwanda is grouped with Kenya, Estonia, and Grenada in the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA Series marks the second edition of this invitational tournament, featuring friendly matches between national teams from different continental confederations. The series aims to promote football globally and provide teams with valuable match experience.

Stephen Constantine is a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience, having previously managed teams in India, Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, and Pakistan. He's now set to leave his role at Cypriot club APEA Akrotiri to take on his second stint as Rwanda's coach.

Born on October 16, 1962, in London, Constantine is of Greek-Cypriot descent and has a rich footballing background. He played in the United States for the Pennsylvania Stoners and the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms before retiring at 26 due to a serious knee injury.