Burundi Primus Ligue: league leaders Bumamuru's Vivier Bahati sets sights on the title

Vivier Bahati, you have just finished the first half of the league season top of the table with Bumamuru. What was the key to this success?

Vivier Bahati: Firstly, it's thanks to the Almighty, who gave us the strength to get through the first half of the season without any problems. Secondly, it's the club's directors, who have always been close to the players and have given us everything we needed to work in good conditions. Thirdly, there are the fans, who backed us even when things weren't going well, and finally my players, who gave everything, not forgetting my assistant Ismail Nduwantare, with whom we started this adventure together but who is now at Magara Young Boys.

What is your view of the Burundian league?

It's a tough league with talented, determined young players. In the second half of the season we will need to be even smarter. I think it will be much harder than the first half. But we will prepare accordingly. We are ready for the fight, which we hope to win comfortably.

What will it take to win the league with Bumamuru?

It demands a lot. We know very well what we did in the first half of the season. We must not ease off with the second half, which starts on 15 January 2023. On the contrary, we must work even harder because the other teams won't do us any favours. We are also going to strengthen in January by adding fresh blood to our squad. The other teams, such as Vital'o and Flambeau du Centre, who are second and third respectively, will no doubt do the same, but we fear nothing. It's this competition that makes us strong. With a strengthened side and determined directors, as in the first part of the season, Bumamuru have a chance of winning the league.

Which positions need strengthening?

If I look at how my team performed over the first half of the season, which has just finished, we need players in midfield, but above all two strikers to replace those who have been injured. We have started the process and things are progressing well. I don't want to start the second half of the season without strikers.

Do you have the means to do it?

Our directors are aware. They know very well that you can't win the league without spending. They have reassured me. The funds are already available to strengthen our team.

You have also spent time in the Tanzanian league. What is the difference compared with Burundi's?

There are huge differences. There are few young players in Tanzania, whereas there are lots of them here in Burundi. Then, the money invested in football in Tanzania is far greater than in Burundi. Finally, the equipment and the sponsors are nothing like Burundi, but I do still see progress in the development of our football.

Can we say the experience you gained in Tanzania helped you win the first half of the season?

Tanzania helped me a lot. Many things have changed for the better. The way of working is different from what I was used to seeing. For example, in Tanzania, teams have staffs with lots of people, and everyone knows what to do and does it professionally. Here at home, it is very rare to have a staff of more than four people, whereas in Tanzania a staff can be made up of eight people or even more. This way of working as a team helps me a lot today. Time management is an important part of running a team. The experience gained in Tanzania is without doubt of great importance in my day-to-day work. Honestly, I learned a lot. I thank the directors of Azam FC and Biashara United, who gave me that opportunity. But I also had the chance to work with European coaches who don't mess about.

What is your goal for the future?

I have already been assistant coach of the women's national team and head coach of the under-17 national team. I dream of going as far as possible. The senior national team is always on my mind and I think God will help me achieve my dream. Coaching at big foreign clubs also appeals to me.

Who is your idol?

It's Pep Guardiola, of course. I've been watching him since he was at Barcelona. I adore him. His way of managing a team, of communicating, and above all his style of play inspire me a great deal.

Désiré Hatungimana