“Please, call me Benni!”
Right from the start, Bienvenue Kanakimana makes his presence felt with a big smile and a cheerful tone. It’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere, quite unlike the gloomy weather in Jablonec nad Nisou. “Winter is just around the corner here, and soon it will be time to wrap up in our big coats,” he quipped.
The 24-year-old Burundian arrived in the Czech Republic in January and has been performing impressively for FK Jablonec, but he hasn’t lost track of his Burundi roots. “I take a bit of my culture with me every step of the way.,” he said. “When I meet people, they tend to be curious about where I come from and my homeland’s customs.”
Kanakimana has, at the age of 24, already taken those customs to Austria, America and China, but now he wants to display them on the biggest stage of all: the FIFA World Cup™.
“To take part in the World Cup is much more than just a dream for me; it would represent the pinnacle of my career,” the forward said. “The thought of sharing that stage with the greatest players inspires me. I’d be so proud if I got to represent my country in the best possible way.”
Sitting third in Group F of CAF World Cup qualifying, Kanakimana spoke to FIFA about his side’s positive start to the group.
African football analysts often comment on the buoyant mood within the Swallows squad. Can you vouch for that?
Bienvenue Kanakimana: That’s true! The majority of us are of a similar age and share many of the same goals in life. One of the things I like about this squad is our knack for picking the right moments. When it’s time to have a laugh, enjoy yourself and joke around, no one’s left out. However, as soon as it’s time to get down to work, we’re all on the same wavelength.
You made a big impression with a brace in a recent 3-1 win over the Seychelles. What were you thinking at that moment?
I spent most of the match on the bench, so I had the chance to watch the game closely. Then, the coach sent me off to warm up and planned to bring me on fifteen minutes later. However, I let him know that I was ready to go on straight away. He felt my hunger to play, and I didn’t want to disappoint him. It all worked out well and I scored a brace. The moment I arrived in the changing room, my phone started buzzing with congratulations from family and friends. It made me feel really emotional and boosted my motivation for the rest of the campaign.
Burundi currently lie third in Group F behind Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon. How would you sum up the situation so far?
This qualifying campaign is proof of our ambition. The team is young, and we hope to go down in Burundian history. Whenever we step out on to the pitch, we give it our all, just like we did in our match against Gabon, where despite losing 2-1, we never gave up until the end.
We have now played four matches, winning two (3-2 against Gambia and 3-1 against the Seychelles), drawing one (1-1 against Kenya) and losing one (2-1 against Gabon). We have seven points as it stands and are not far behind the Gabonese, who have nine points and are currently in second place, in the play-off position. That means we’re in the thick of it.
What are your ambitions for the qualifiers?
We’re not here to dish out points. We’re out to prove to Africa and the rest of the world that Burundi has a talented team capable of achieving great things. We are highly focused on the task ahead.
What would qualification for the World Cup mean to Burundi?
We’re determined to make it, that’s for sure. Firstly, it would represent huge exposure for our nation, Burundi. Many people don’t know where this beautiful nation is, and taking part in the World Cup would raise its profile. It will also be a proud moment for our generation to be the first to have achieved this feat.
Some of World Cup 26 will take place in the USA, where you played for Atlanta United. What do you remember about your time there?
It was paradise. Everything is so big over there. People in the United States have strong family values and they believe that family is much more than blood ties. Initially, the language barrier was obviously an issue and it prevented me from going out and meeting people. However, people would come up to me, wanting to know more about my background. After that, I made French-speaking friends in football who helped me settle in more easily. I had some truly unforgettable experiences over there, so to return for the World Cup would be the best gift life could throw my way.
What are your fondest memories of the World Cup?
I don’t have a specific match, incident or performance. However, it’s the feeling that time stands still that really sets the World Cup apart for me. Any personal or diplomatic concerns are put aside, and everyone gets behind their team and their players, relishing the greatest spectacle in the world together.
