Yesterday was my first opportunity to see and speak with Sporting Kansas City’s newest defender Abdul Rwatubyaye. With the core of Sporting KC running around North and Central America playing in various games, Rwatubyaye started training with the Swope Park Rangers until the first team returns.

Rwatubyaye is from Rwanda and will probably take some time to adapt to his new league but he did look good in practice. Granted it was not full size field and it was a USL practice but his positioning, 1-v-1 defense, and communication all looked pretty good. He also looked good in the air and was not afraid to pass under pressure or carry the ball up the field when he had the chance. Other than one errant pass, he looked like he should fit in well given time to adapt.

As you can see from the video he is very friendly and just wants to work hard for the fans.