Swiss-born forward Johan Marvin Kury expressed his excitement and surprise after learning that Rwanda’s head coach, Frank Spittler, had named him in the 38-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin, set to take place in October.
Kury, who currently plays for Swiss top-tier side Yverdon Sports FC, is already training with the Amavubi squad at Amahoro Stadium as they prepare for the two crucial fixtures against Benin’s national team, the Cheetahs.
Speaking to the press, the 22-year-old forward couldn’t hide his amazement at being called to represent Rwanda. “My first reaction when I heard that I was called to Amavubi senior team? It was a shock and surprise because I didn’t expect to be called up,” Kury revealed. “I’m massively delighted to be part of Amavubi. To train with others is something good, just to have the training session with them all around and to be involved is a big step for me.”
Despite the initial surprise, Kury is embracing the opportunity and eager to showcase his talent on the international stage. “It sounds good for sure, and I am looking forward to representing my country. I think it’s a really good chance to show what I can do best,” he added.
While he is focused on making his debut against Benin, Kury remains optimistic that his performance will catch the eye of coach Spittler, paving the way for future call-ups. “It’s the first foot on the ladder, and I’ll take that because hopefully, I’ll have many more to come. It was a bit of a shock to get the call, but I always knew the manager has been looking at the youngsters, and you never say never,” he said.
Rwanda is set to face Benin in two critical fixtures, first traveling to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to play at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on October 11, before welcoming Benin to Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on October 15.
Kury could have made his debut in September during the previous AFCON qualifiers, but a lingering injury kept him sidelined. “I now feel good. It’s my first time joining Amavubi,” he noted.
Born on October 7, 2001, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Kury has Rwandan roots through his mother, while his father is Swiss. The young forward began his professional journey with the youth team of Xamax and later joined BEJune U18 during the 2018/2019 season before advancing to his current club, Yverdon Sports FC.
With his call-up to the national team, Kury is one step closer to realizing his dream of making a mark in international football, with his eyes firmly set on a successful debut for Rwanda in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
