The captains include French national Robert Pirès and Spanish Gaizka Mendieta for Europe, Cameroonian Patrick M’Boma, Rwandan Jimmy Gatete and Egyptian Wael Gomaa for Africa and the Middle East, Brazilian Maicon Douglas and Canadian Charmaine Hooper for the Americas, and Japanese Tsuneyasu Miyamoto for Asia and Oceania.
Each captain is tasked with selecting players from their respective region to make up their teams (of 15 male players and 2 female players).
{{International tour}}
“As it is customary for some of the other major international competitions, we will be visiting different cities around the world. Instead of showcasing trophies or torches, our main attraction will be football legends,” says VCWC ‘Rwanda 2024’s spokesperson Regis Isheja.
“Once in a particular city, we will reach out to Rwandans and other Africans living there. All this to ensure no one misses out on this historic event,” he notes.
Confirmed cities for the tour include Rio de Janeiro, Brussels, London, New York City, Toronto and Abidjan.
In Kigali, the captains’ reveal was welcomed with a one-of-a-kind drone show, at Kigali Convention Centre.
“We needed to start the official countdown to VCWC ‘Rwanda 2024′ with a show stopping display. I believe we did just that, and some more”, says Isheja.
The week was equally marked by two Memorandum of Understanding signings; one with the City of Kigali and one with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the Visit Rwanda campaign, stipulating Rwanda will host the next three editions of the football tournament.
Isheja says both partnerships are meant to promote Rwanda’s visibility and attractions.
“Visit Rwanda has become a trusted brand across the world and it is only right that it aligns with an event of this caliber. Our legends will be involved in promoting the campaign.”
The world championship is the largest sporting gathering ever to bring together veterans. 150 legends to be exact, for this initial edition.
The partnerships’ main aim is to leave a sustainable legacy to the people of Rwanda, via forums and various partner events.
5000 visitors are expected in the country for the tournament.
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