Just like a few great goalkeepers, new Kaizer Chiefs recruit Fiacre Ntwari started as a centre-forward during his youth days at Musanze Youth Sports Training Center in the City of Musanze, northwest of Rwanda.
According to Emmanuel Nzabahimana, the head of the training centre, the former TS Galaxy keeper was shy but very disciplined and dedicated.
Nzabahimana narrates Ntwari’s stay at the centre where he was brought by his parents at the age of 13 until he left as a 17-year-old.
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“Before he was a goalkeeper, he was a striker. But after that, we made him a goalkeeper because of his height,” Nzabahimana told FARPost.
“That time, we also had other good strikers. So we had to change him to the goalpost. He was a good striker, but there were other players better than him. Since he was converted to be a goalkeeper, he was our best goalkeeper.”
Ntwari went on to play for clubs such as Intare FC, Armee Patriotique Rwandaise [APR] FC, Marines FC and AS Kigali before his big break to the DStv Premiership when he was signed by TS Galaxy in 2023.
“He is a very disciplined player with a good attitude. Sometimes, he can socialise, but he can also be quiet. He is shy and doesn’t speak a lot. But he is a good character and is a good person. He comes from a very good family,” he said.
The Rwandan International featured in 24 matches for the Galaxy last season with nine clean sheets.
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“I am not surprised that he has signed for Kaizer Chiefs because he is good,” said Nzabahimana.
“He is meant to be part of the team [Chiefs]. His performances in the national team have also been outstanding, so I am not surprised.”
“My advice to him is to remain disciplined and work hard. If he works hard, he will get the benefits. But Chiefs made the right choice by signing him. I know he will do well.”
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