Category: Sports

Since its establishment in 1998 by the Zanzibar Football Federation, the Mapinduzi Cup has been a regional club competition. In 2023, Rwanda’s APR FC participated but was eliminated in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout.

This year, however, the tournament organizers have decided to invite national teams to participate, marking a significant change in the competition’s structure.

The decision to include national teams was made to provide key preparation for Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, the three countries set to co-host CHAN 2024.

The invitation to these teams, including Rwanda, allows them to fine-tune their squads and strategies ahead of the continental competition, providing them with valuable game time against high-level opposition.

Other countries invited to the tournament include Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Uganda, and Zanzibar. This represents a unique opportunity for these teams to engage in competitive matches in the build-up to the much-anticipated CHAN tournament.

The Federation of Rwanda Football Associations (FERWAFA) confirmed that the national team, Amavubi, had received an invitation to participate in the Mapinduzi Cup. However, FERWAFA’s General Secretary, Adolphe ‘Camarade’ Kalisa, noted that this tournament had not been part of their original schedule.

As of now, the decision on whether to accept or decline the invitation has not yet been made, with the federation still considering their options.

This continental tournament, which brings together players from domestic leagues across Africa, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya next month.

One month before the competition kicks off, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a list of the 65 referees who will officiate the tournament. Among them are 26 center referees, 25 assistant referees, and 14 VAR officials.

Mutuyimana, who will serve as an assistant referee, is the only Rwandan selected for the 2024 CHAN from those officiating on the field. Another Rwandan, Mukansanga Salima, who is experienced in using VAR technology, is returning after stepping down from her role as a center referee.

He is set to officiate in his second consecutive CHAN tournament after recently attended training sessions for referees ahead of the competition in early December. CHAN 2024 will feature 19 teams, with 17 countries already confirmed, with Rwanda expected to be among the final two teams.

The Rwanda National Football Team, Amavubi, ended their qualification campaign with a win against South Sudan in the final qualifiers. The aggregate score was 4-4 over two legs, with the away-goal rule set to be applied for the final decision.

The two Rwandans join other officials from 40 countries with Morocco having the highest number of 5. Kenya and South Africa have 3 officials each. 18 countries including Rwanda have 2 officials each while the remaining 19 countries have one official each.

Spittler, the German coach appointed to lead the Amavubi in November 2023, signed a one-year contract that expirired on December 31, 2024.

While his tenure has brought significant improvement to the team, including a notable victory over Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, he has yet to sign a new contract. This delay has led to speculations about his future with the team.

Munyantwali addressed the situation in a recent interview with B&B Kigali FM, stating that ongoing discussions between FERWAFA and Spittler are progressing, and a resolution will be reached soon.

“As he has mentioned, he has specific terms for the contract, and considering where we are in terms of progress and remaining games, we are still in talks. It’s early, and we’re not rushing into signing any agreement yet,” Munyantwali said.

The FERWAFA Chief also expressed optimism about finalizing the deal within the coming few days, emphasizing that while financial considerations are a part of the discussion, both sides are keen on finding a suitable arrangement.

He further added that it is essential to continue dialogue to ensure both FERWAFA and Spittler are aligned on the terms before making a final decision.

Though the coach’s future is still uncertain, sources suggest that Spittler, who recently visited Germany for the holiday season, has expressed a desire to take a break from coaching after his contract ends.

Some unconfirmed reports indicate that he is considering stepping away from coaching the Amavubi to focus on personal matters, including potential retirement.

Under Spittler’s leadership, Rwanda’s national team has risen from 130th to 124th in the FIFA rankings and is currently leading the 2026 World Cup qualification group. His victory over Nigeria, where the team triumphed 2-1 in Lagos, has further cemented his reputation and popularity among fans.

While the outcome of the contract negotiations remains pending, Munyantwali is confident that a decision will be made soon and hopes that the coach will continue to lead the Amavubi to greater heights.

The incidents occurred during a Group D Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier played on October 15, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium, where Rwanda’s Amavubi defeated Benin’s Les Guepards 2-1. This victory placed Rwanda third in the group, level on points with Benin.

After the match, Benin players attempted to confront the referees and some members of Rwanda’s coaching staff. Fortunately, security personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.

Following a disciplinary committee meeting at CAF, it was concluded that Benin violated Article 45 of the governing regulations. As a result, the Benin FA was fined $5,000 for general misconduct and an additional $25,000 for aggression against the referees, totaling to $30,000.

Despite the fine, Benin secured qualification for the tournament to be held in Morocco alongside Nigeria, finishing second in the group with eight points, ahead of Rwanda on goal difference.

Recognized as a promising young talent, Yangiriyeneza recently showcased his skills in Rwanda’s U-20 Championship, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Rutsiro FC.

Following this performance, his academy revealed that he has attracted interest from Portuguese clubs after undergoing trials for the second time.

Yangiriyeneza previously trained with top-tier Portuguese teams G.D. Estoril Praia and Rio Ave F.C., earning recognition from their youth teams.

His academy stated, “Erirohe, who recently turned 18, is being sought by U-19 teams in Portugal after impressive trials and excellent performances for Rwanda’s U-20 National Team. His contract is expected to be finalized soon.”

In addition to Portugal, reports indicate that Moroccan clubs are also keen on signing him, leaving the final decision in the player’s hands.

The match, a crucial step in the qualification for next year’s CHAN tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is scheduled for 6 PM at Amahoro Stadium.

Jimmy Mulisa’s side must overcome a 3-2 loss from the first leg in Juba to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, winning the match alone won’t guarantee Rwanda a spot in the tournament. Coach Mulisa emphasized the importance of performing well, regardless of the circumstances.

“The players must fight for the honour of the national team. We’ve consistently reminded them not to focus on other factors but to do everything possible to secure a win,” the coach said on Friday.

Before the session, Mulisa assured the new Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who had visited the team, that the players were in good shape, with no issues apart from injuries that had already been addressed with substitutes.

Team captain Muhire Kevin expressed confidence, stating that they are determined to qualify for CHAN and are ready to beat South Sudan, having corrected their previous mistakes.

The Amavubi need to eliminate South Sudan to advance and await CAF’s decision on selecting two replacement teams for Tunisia and Libya, who have withdrawn from the tournament.

Currently, Sudan holds the sole CECAFA region slot in CHAN after winning both legs against Tunisia. However, there is optimism that the region will receive an additional slot following the withdrawal of Arab nations, similar to what happened in 2018.

The event marks a major milestone in the country’s sporting calendar, which will also see Rwanda hosting the World Cycling Championships later in 2025.

The race will take place on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, in the scenic Burera and Musanze districts, offering participants the chance to race through some of Rwanda’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The course promises stunning views of the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, as well as the towering Virunga Mountains and five iconic volcanoes: Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Sabyinyo, Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Bisoke, and Mt. Gahinga.

Participants will have two options for the race: a 110km, two-day race covering the full weekend, or a shorter 50km race on Sunday.

According to the organizers, the race will attract over 100 international competitors from the United States, Australia, and Europe.

The event is supported by the Clarion Welbsy Foundation, which will provide essential kits to local runners, ensuring they are fully equipped to compete.

Alexander Fetherston-Godley, Race Director at Ultra X, was ecstatic about bringing the inaugural Ultra X Rwanda to life.

“The event will showcase Rwanda’s extraordinary beauty and allow our international competitors to experience its warm culture and welcoming people. Most importantly, we want this event to be celebrated as a Rwandan and African race first and foremost, which is why we’ve worked hard to make it accessible to East African participants,” he stated.

UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, also expressed excitement about the race and wished the participants the best of luck.

“This ultramarathon will be an incredible test of athleticism and endurance in some of Rwanda’s most beautiful locations. I wish the runners the best of luck as they race through the land of 1,000 hills!”

She added, “At the British High Commission, we believe sports are fundamental to promoting good health and can be a brilliant driver of economic growth. It is fantastic to see British companies like Ultra X working in Rwanda, and I will be supporting the Rwandan Ministry of Sports and other partners to promote this event and others like it.”

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema, said the event offers athletes a challenging and inspiring course set against Rwanda’s stunning natural backdrop and urged international athletes to enrol for the race.

“This event not only promotes long-distance running but also fosters a spirit of determination, resilience, and sportsmanship among participants. We encourage athletes from all over the world to test their limits and experience the power of sport in Rwanda,” the minister remarked.

Ultra X is a global multi-day ultramarathon series, which hosts trail races in some of the world’s most adventurous and scenic locations.

The series has previously held events in Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Croatia, and its current portfolio spans Rwanda, Tanzania, Scotland, Finland, Slovenia, Wales, England, Jordan, Nevada, Morocco, and Madeira.

In the Rwandan race, Ultra X is collaborating with Tugende, an organization dedicated to promoting well-being and making a positive impact through sport and community.

Interested participants can access the local entry registration here.

Having already served time in detention, the remainder of his sentence will be carried out under house arrest with electronic surveillance. The verdict aligns with the prosecution’s request. His legal representative indicated that an appeal is likely.

“He is in a state of shock. From the outset, he has maintained his innocence. They did not take into account the fact that he has been manipulated, the fact that he has been forced to do things beyond his control,” stated lawyer Mbeko Tabula.

The trial proceeded without the presence of Paul, who is now out of contract and searching for a new club.
The judge instructed Mathias and five other men to face trial following an investigation into whether Paul was subjected to extortion by Mathias and childhood friends in 2022.

Last month, Mathias was put on trial “for the offences of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy.” The five co-defendants demanded 13million euros (£10.7m) from the 31-year-old France player, who was confronted at gunpoint by masked men in March 2022.

The defendants persistently intimidated Paul, asserting that he should have supported them after his rise to international football stardom. They were charged with extortion, abduction and confinement to facilitate a crime, as well as criminal conspiracy.

Roushdane K., the alleged mastermind behind the blackmail, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence. The other defendants also received jail terms.

Court documents reveal that Paul suffered financial losses amounting to 197,000 euros (£164,000) and emotional distress valued at 50,000 euros (£41,000).

All defendants, excluding Mathias, were ordered to collectively pay this sum to the ex-Juventus player. During the investigation, Paul admitted to paying 100,000 euros (£83,000) to the organized group, which included his own brother.

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