“Please, call me Benni!” Burundi’s Bienvenue Kanakimana’s words burst through with a warmth that immediately makes you feel at ease.
His big smile and cheerful tone provide a striking contrast to the chilly, gloomy weather in Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic, where the 24-year-old Burundian striker currently plies his trade with FK Jablonec.
Kanakimana has found success in Europe, but his thoughts are constantly with his homeland, Burundi, a country he hopes to one day place firmly on the global football map.
As winter approaches in his current home, he jokes about the looming cold, “Soon it will be time to wrap up in our big coats.”
But beneath the light-hearted banter, Kanakimana’s ambitions are serious. Despite having already played in Austria, the United States, and China, his greatest dream remains unfulfilled: representing Burundi on the biggest stage in world football, the FIFA World Cup.
“For me, playing in the World Cup would be more than just a dream; it would be the pinnacle of my career,” says Kanakimana, his eyes shining with ambition.
“The thought of sharing that stage with the greatest players inspires me. It’s what I’ve always aspired to, and to do it while representing Burundi would be the proudest moment of my life.”
Burundi’s journey to the World Cup is still unfolding. The Swallows sit third in Group F of CAF World Cup qualifying, and Kanakimana is hopeful that they can push through and make history.
His performances have already proven critical, particularly when he netted twice in Burundi’s recent 3-1 win over Seychelles.
“I was on the bench for most of the match, observing closely,” he recalls with a grin. “When the coach called me to warm up, I told him I was ready to go in immediately. He could see my hunger, and when I got on the pitch, I didn’t want to disappoint. Scoring that brace felt like an explosion of emotions—it was a moment I’ll never forget.”
The significance of those goals was not lost on his teammates or his nation. Burundi, a small country not often in the global football spotlight, is on the cusp of something special. Sitting just behind Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon, the Swallows are still in the mix for a spot in the next round of qualifying.
“We’ve played four matches, winning two, drawing one, and losing one,” Kanakimana explains. “We’re not far off second place, and that’s the play-off position. We’re right in the thick of it, and the team is full of ambition.”
Despite their underdog status, Burundi is not just looking to participate—they are out to make a statement. “We’re not here to hand out points. We want to show Africa and the world that Burundi has the talent to compete at the highest level,” he says passionately. “We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re playing for our country, for all the people back home who believe in us.”
Qualification for the World Cup would be a landmark achievement for Burundi, and Kanakimana knows it would elevate his nation in the eyes of the world. “Many people don’t even know where Burundi is. Qualifying for the World Cup would change that. It would bring pride to our country and to our generation. We would be the first to achieve this, and that’s a huge motivator for all of us.”
Kanakimana’s global footballing journey has already taken him to some of the sport’s most exciting corners, including a stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Atlanta United. Reflecting on his time in the U.S., he describes it as “paradise.”
“Everything is so big in America,” he says with a chuckle. “The people there really value family, and they’re curious about your background. When I first arrived, the language barrier was tough, but soon I made friends who spoke French, and that made things easier.”
Kanakimana’s fond memories of the U.S. make the prospect of returning for the 2026 World Cup even sweeter. “It would be the best gift life could give me,” he says earnestly. “Going back to the U.S. for the World Cup would bring everything full circle.”
When asked about his favorite World Cup memories, Kanakimana doesn’t point to a single match or moment. Instead, he reflects on the tournament’s ability to unite people. “What stands out to me is how time seems to stand still during the World Cup. All personal or political issues are set aside, and the entire world comes together to enjoy the spectacle.”
For Kanakimana, the dream of the World Cup is more than just football—it’s about pride, unity, and the chance to showcase Burundi on the world stage. As he continues to push towards that dream, his message is clear: “We’re determined to make it. We want the world to know who we are.”
Source: FIFA.com
