BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – While Birmingham Legion FC may have a rare spell without a match next week, the grind does not stop for some. Three Sparks defenders AJ Paterson (Grenada), Phanuel Kavita (Rwanda) and Ramiz Hamouda (USA U-17) have all received the call to represent their respective countries during FIFA’s October international window.
Paterson will join the Grenada Men’s National Team for a pair of friendlies against the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday, October 8 and Cuba on Saturday, October 11. Coincidentally, the 29-year-old made his international debut against Cuba back in 2018 and has gone on to earn 20 total caps with Grenada with four goals and a pair of assists. Should Paterson make an appearance next week, it will mark his first cap with Grenada since March of 2023 when he started against the United States in CONCACAF Nations League.
Paterson’s longtime backline partner Kavita returns to the Rwanda Men’s National Team for CAF World Cup Qualifying matches against Benin on Friday, October 10 and South Africa on Tuesday, October 14. Rwanda currently sits in fourth place of Group C with 11 points through eight matches. The top team in each of the nine groups advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the top four second place teams in each group advancing to a four-team bracket in hopes of securing a CAF’s sole spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Having received his first call-up with Rwanda in 2024, this is the third consecutive camp for Kavita, who has earned three total caps, including playing every minute of the country’s two qualifying matches during the September international window.
Now an established fixture for the USA U-17 Men’s National Team, Hamouda will join the squad in Fayetteville, Georgia from October 6-10 for one final training camp before the 21-man roster is selected for November’s 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Hamouda played a significant role in helping the USA secure its spot for the tournament, tallying a goal and a pair of assists across three matches in the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers last February.
Prior to departing for their respective camps, all three players will be available for selection when Birmingham travels to face Loudoun United FC this Saturday. Following their international duties, they will return to the Magic City for Legion FC’s home finale and Fan Appreciation match on October 19 against Miami FC.
