BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC defender Phanuel Kavita has been called in to the Rwanda Men’s National Team for a pair of big CAF World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria on September 6 and Zimbabwe on September 9.
It is the third time that Kavita has received a call-up by Rwanda, having been a part of the country’s roster for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last November before receiving his first cap with the country in a friendly match against Algeria last June. In search of its first ever berth in the FIFA World Cup, Rwanda currently sits in second place in Group C with 8 points, five points behind first place South Africa.
The first place team in each of group of the CAF qualifiers advances to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the top four second place teams will be drawn into a bracket to play for a berth in an inter-confederation playoff.
After missing time earlier in the season with an injury, Kavita has reclaimed his spot as the anchor in Legion FC’s backline. The veteran centerback has logged 16 appearances this season across all competitions. Due to this call-up to Rwanda, Kavita will not be available for selection when Birmingham travels to face FC Tulsa on Saturday, September 6.
Kavita’s call-up to Rwanda is the second international selection for a Legion FC player in the upcoming international window, joining fellow defender Ramiz Hamouda who was called into the United States U-17 Men’s Youth National Team.
