Category: Sports

The player left Kigali on Sunday, December 8, 2024, heading to Portugal where he is set to undergo a 10-day trial with Sporting Clube de Braga in the Primeira Liga.

But that’s not all; he will also try his luck in Belgium with Anderlecht, a top-tier team in the Belgian Pro League. If opportunities arise, he may also explore chances with Lille in France, a team that plays in Ligue 1.

Iradukunda is expected to spend a month in Europe and will return to Rwanda in January 2025.
Not only are these clubs interested in him, but Turkish team Antalyaspor, currently in 11th place in the Turkish Super League, has also extended an invitation.

The 18-year-old is one of the most talented players in Rwanda’s Premier League. Last season, he was awarded the Best Young Player after an impressive performance.

In the 55 matches he has played in the Rwandan Premier League, he has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists.

In a statement on Sunday night, the FIA, the governing body of motorsport, announced that the endeavour stems from a penalty imposed on the Dutch driver for indiscreet remarks made during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in September.

As part of the sanction, Verstappen will engage in “work of public interest” during his visit to Kigali for the FIA Prize-Giving Gala, where he will collect his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship trophy.

The 2024 FIA Awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, will mark the first time the event is held in Rwanda.

The occasion will also provide a platform for Verstappen’s involvement in a development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).

Verstappen will assist junior competitors in the program, showcasing an FIA Affordable Cross Car—a locally built vehicle designed using FIA blueprints.

The 27-year-old’s season has been marked by both triumph and controversy. Verstappen clinched his fourth title in Las Vegas, solidifying Red Bull’s dominance in the championship.

However, he faced scrutiny after receiving a 10-second penalty in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following a first-lap collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Despite his fiery on-track demeanour, Verstappen expressed regret over the incident, stating: “I apologized to Oscar. I never want to crash with anyone, especially not someone like Oscar, who is a great guy.”

Now, in Kigali, Verstappen’s efforts will focus on promoting motorsport accessibility and nurturing future talent—a meaningful contribution to the sport that has defined his illustrious career.

The match, a rescheduled Day 3 fixture, marked the first Rwanda Premier League (RPL) game to be held at the newly renovated 45,000-seater stadium since its official reopening in July.

From the first whistle, both teams approached the game with caution, knowing the significance of this clash in the Rwandan football calendar. Rayon Sports, the league leaders, and defending champions APR FC, showcased their tactical prowess, with both sides creating a flurry of chances but unable to break the deadlock.

In the opening minutes, Rayon Sports’ Fall Ngagne had the first shot on goal, but his effort was easily collected by APR’s goalkeeper, Pavelh Ndzila.

The Blues dominated possession early on and were threatening with a series of crosses and set pieces. In the 18th minute, Ngagne found himself in a promising position after a clever pass from Olivier Niyonzima but could only shoot wide of goal with the goalkeeper at his mercy.

APR, on the other hand, responded with a dangerous free kick in the 19th minute when Bugingo Hakim fouled their striker near the penalty box. Ramadhan Niyibizi’s powerful strike hit the crossbar, with both teams unable to capitalize on such opportunities in the opening half.

The first half saw both teams miss golden chances. In the 24th minute, fans at Amahoro Stadium showed their appreciation for the stadium’s renovation, applauding President Paul Kagame.

By the half-hour mark, Rayon’s Ombalenga Fitina made a brilliant run on the right flank, crossing for Ngagne, whose header was saved by Ndzila. Just moments later, APR’s Mamadou Sy had a close-range shot blocked by Rayon’s Khadime Ndiaye, with the rebound denied by the defense.

The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts to secure a goal. APR began making attacking substitutions, bringing on Arsene Tuyisenge and Jean Bosco Ruboneka in the 61st minute.

Rayon responded by introducing Serumogo Ally and Adama Bagayogo to keep the pressure on the army side. However, despite the tactical changes and increased attacking play, neither side could find the elusive goal.

Both teams were awarded free kicks in dangerous positions, but Rayon’s Hakim Bugingo and APR’s Niyibizi saw their respective shots blocked by defenders or go off target. As the match entered its final stages, the intensity continued to rise, but with no breakthrough.

A free kick in the 80th minute for Rayon Sports, following a handball by Clement Niyigena, failed to yield a goal, with Bugingo’s effort hitting the wall.

APR’s last substitution came in the 87th minute, with Johnson Nwobodo Chidiebere replacing Lamine Bah, while Rayon brought on Junior Elenga for Aziz Bassane a minute later. Despite the late drama and three minutes of added time, the match ended with both sides sharing the spoils.

The draw leaves Rayon Sports at the top of the league with 30 points, while APR remains in 4th place with 19 points. While both teams showed resilience, it was APR’s disciplined defense and strategic play that ensured they held their rivals to a goalless draw in what was a hard-fought encounter.

This historic match at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium will be remembered not only for its competitive nature but also for the sportsmanship displayed by both teams. As the league progresses, this result sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.

The competition is set to run from November 28 to December 2, 2024, in the city of Durban.

The five athletes, coached by Christian Kamuzinzi, were flagged off by Rwego Ngarambe, Director General in charge of Sports Infrastructure Development and Management at the Ministry of Sports.

While presenting the Rwandan flag to the team, Rwego encouraged the athletes, reaffirming the nation’s full support and confidence in their abilities.

He urged them to give their best effort and aim for medals in the tournament.

The 2024 Commonwealth Karate Championships will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth for an exciting display of skill and competition.

Competing nations include England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Rwanda among others.

Hosted by Karate South Africa, the event marks a significant milestone as it serves as both a platform for elite karatekas and an opportunity to promote the sport’s growth within the region.

The tournament will feature categories for juniors, seniors, and veterans, showcasing inclusivity across various age groups.

Athletes will compete in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (forms), showcasing diverse styles and techniques.

The event also includes networking opportunities for national karate federations to discuss the development and integration of karate into broader sports systems.

The match started on a tense note, with both teams eager to assert dominance but cautious not to make early mistakes. Fouls punctuated the opening exchanges, with players jostling for control in midfield.

Rwanda’s first corner came in the 18th minute, sparking some hope for an early lead, but the chance was wasted. Moses Simon of Nigeria showcased his skill with a brilliant dribble and pass to Victor Boniface in the 23rd minute, but the forward failed to control the ball inside the box.

Amavubi captain Djihad Bizimana picked up the first yellow card of the match in the 25th minute after a foul on a Nigerian wingback. Just minutes later, Bonheur Mugisha followed suit with a booking for a reckless tackle on Alhassan Yusuf. By halftime, the match was locked at 0-0, with neither side able to find a breakthrough despite a few close calls.

The second half began with renewed energy from both teams. Nigeria made two key substitutions, bringing on Chukwueze Samuel and Frank Onyeka. Chukwueze made an immediate impact, scoring a stunning goal in the 58th minute after dribbling past four Rwandan defenders. His precise left-footed finish left goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre helpless, putting Nigeria ahead 1-0.

Despite the setback, Amavubi showed resilience and determination. Ange Mutsinzi capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Nigerians in the 72nd minute, heading home a well-delivered cross from Kwizera Jojea to level the score.

The goal reignited hope among Rwandan fans and players alike. Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti sent Rwandans into a frenzy with a brilliant finish off Emmanuel Manishimwe’s perfectly timed pass, giving Amavubi a 2-1 lead.

The closing minutes were nerve-wracking. Nigeria, desperate to salvage the game, unleashed waves of attacks led by Victor Osimhen, who came off the bench in the 77th minute.

The Super Eagles came close on several occasions, but Rwanda’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Clement Twizere, who had replaced the injured Ntwari, made a series of crucial saves to deny the Nigerians.

As the final whistle blew, Amavubi players and fans celebrated an unforgettable victory. It was a rare triumph over Nigeria, a football powerhouse, marking a high point in the qualification campaign.

However, news from Tripoli soon dampened the mood. Libya’s failure to beat Benin meant that both Nigeria and Benin qualified for AFCON 2025, leaving Rwanda out despite their remarkable performance.

This campaign will be remembered as one of Amavubi’s best in recent history. Rwanda secured victories against both Nigeria and Benin, showcasing their growth and potential. However, the team paid the price for inconsistency, particularly in their matches against Libya, where they failed to pick up reasonable points.

Rwandan football fans were left with mixed emotions. For Hirwa Muzungu, the campaign was a step forward despite the disappointment. “We showed heart and determination today, and this win against Nigeria is something to be proud of. Yes, we made silly mistakes earlier in the campaign, especially against Libya, but the team has grown. I believe we’ll come back stronger next time,” he said.

Amavubi’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 extends a 20-year drought since their last appearance in the tournament in 2004. That year, Rwanda impressed by defeating DR Congo and earning a draw against Guinea, but they narrowly missed out on the quarterfinals.

The heartbreak of that campaign echoes in this one, as the team once again showed promise but fell short of reaching the continent’s grand stage by a whisker.

Despite the disappointment, Rwanda’s performance in the qualifiers offers hope for the future. The team demonstrated its ability to compete against stronger sides, and the win against Nigeria will serve as a source of pride and motivation.

The victory over Nigeria is a reminder of what the team is capable of when they play with determination and unity. With lessons learned and the support of a passionate fan base, Rwandans will look to the future with renewed belief in their potential.

Historically, Rwandan football was more modest, with foreign players from neighbouring countries making their mark in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of these players came from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and a few from Uganda.

Notable figures include the late Jean-Marie Ntagwabira, who played for local clubs in the 1980s before becoming a celebrated coach, and Hassan Gasana, a prolific striker from Burundi known for his goal-scoring prowess at APR FC in the late 1990s.

Other prominent names were Shabani Nonda and Bokota Kamana Labama from the DRC, along with Uganda’s Ibrahim Mugisha, a revered goalkeeper for APR FC and Rayon Sports during the 1990s and early 2000s.

In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a hub for sporting excellence, investing in modern infrastructure to bolster its sports scene, particularly football.

With the government’s investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including Amahoro Stadium, Rwandan football clubs are increasingly elevating their game and scouting for talent beyond regional borders.

By tapping into the talent pool, especially from West Africa—known for strong national teams and football talent—the clubs have improved the competitiveness of the league while also fostering collaboration and growing local talent.

IGIHE recently spoke with Police FC striker Peter Agblevor and La Jeunesse FC Central defender Isaac Eze, who shared their motivations for joining the Rwandan League and their experiences playing professional football in Rwanda. The two players hail from Ghana and Nigeria, respectively, two of the continent’s leading football powerhouses.

Watch the interview below:

This year’s edition promises to be an exciting competition as participants, including 19 Rwandan riders, tackle some of the most rugged and scenic landscapes in the country. International veterans and the well-known Silverbacks teams, have joined the race, which tests the endurance, skill, and resilience of cyclists across multiple stages.

The race kicked off on October 21, 2024 with the prologue stage around Mount Kigali, where riders navigated an 8.8 kilometer loop through urban and forest terrain. Starting at Fazenda Sengha, the route offers a challenging mix of surfaces with a 260-meter elevation gain.

Over the coming days, competitors will face even more grueling stages. One of the highlights is the Mount Kabuye stage, a 95 kilometer ride from Nyirangarama to ARCC, with a massive elevation gain of 2551 meters.

This stage, known for its tough climbs, is expected to challenge even the most seasoned cyclists. Another key stage is the Twin Lakes route, which spans 54.9 kilometers and takes riders through scenic trails and volcanic terrain, finishing at the Musanze Football Stadium.

Another stage of the race will be conducted in the Volcanoes special time regulation for riders will be mandatory in completing complete all 6 laps covering a distance of 29.8kilometers. Riders will be allocated a time penalty for each lap not completed, added to their slowest lap time.

The Rwanda Epic mountain bike race will culminate in the final Gishwati-Rubavu stage, a 65.5 kilometer stretch that ends at the picturesque Rubavu Beach. With rolling trails and a danger zone that covers nearly 40 kilometers, this final stage will push riders to their limits as they race to the finish line.

At the launch of race, Simon De Schutter, the Head of the organizing team said that Rwanda Epic is more than just a test of athletic endurance.

“Over 60 support staff, including four doctors and the Red Cross, are on hand throughout the event to ensure the safety of the cyclists. The race also involves the local community, with over 300 people engaged in various capacities, working closely with local authorities and organizations to make the event a success,” he said.

In addition to the main race, local riders will have the opportunity to compete in the Abanyonzi Race, an open competition in Musanze where they will vie for prizes, further showcasing Rwanda’s growing cycling talent.

Riders compete in various categories, including duo men, duo women, mixed teams, Silverbacks (for combined team ages of 99 years and above), Best Rwandan Team, and Solo. Stage winners and overall champions will be celebrated for their achievements across Rwanda’s diverse and challenging terrain.

The Rwanda Epic has grown into a premier cycling event that not only highlights the physical endurance of the athletes but also showcases the natural beauty of the country.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged trails, the race draws attention to Rwanda’s potential as a cycling destination while promoting sports and tourism.
As the competition progresses, cycling enthusiasts can look forward to constant updates and results, capturing the thrilling journey of these riders as they push themselves through each stage.

The football legend who played for major teams in Africa and Europe, spoke to IGIHE on the sidelines of the maiden SportsBiz Africa Forum, a Pan-African platform discussing the Nexus between Sports and Business as a steering tool towards Africa’s Development.

He expressed his heartfelt return to Rwanda after a period of two years. He last visited Kigali in 2022.
“First of all, I want to thank all Rwandans for the warm reception. Since I arrived here, I’ve had no issues; I feel as if I am at home,” he said.

Diouf reiterated his admiration of the strong similarity and relationship between Senegal and Rwanda saying that every time he comes to Rwanda, he notices positive changes due to the country’s robust and dynamic leadership that treats sport as a priority.

“When you look at the infrastructure here, they are similar to what our president, Macky Sall, has given us. These are friendly nations, and both presidents, President Kagame and Macky Sall, are friends. I know this because Macky Sall is a very close friend of mine,” he said.

“They are both leaders who value the youth. To be honest, I haven’t been away from here for long, but every time I come, I find something new has been achieved. This shows that you have a great leader, a leader you should trust, a leader you should follow, a leader who is recognized across Africa because everyone can see where you are coming from and where you are going. It is important to emphasize this,” he added.

Diouf pointed out that the youth have no excuse not to take advantage of the opportunities that the Rwandan government has provided, particularly with the existing sports infrastructure, which benefits not only Rwandans but also Africa as a whole.

“Everywhere I go, my mission is to bring joy to Africa. They always ask me about the 2002 World Cup match against France and Sweden, which shows I had great moments in football, and everything we do in life is meant to bring happiness to people,” said he.

Diouf, 43, gained widespread prominence during the 2002 World Cup when he captained the Senegal national team and played for famous clubs like Liverpool in England, among others.

At the time, he mentioned that he had informed the former Minister of Sports, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, that “such things should not be tolerated because it is clearly known how things are done. Where things work well, there is government support. I love sports, which is why I used to attend matches, but I could not stand such an endless mess.”

Since then, significant changes have been made in Rwanda’s football, leading to notable progress appreciated by football fan base

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Kagame joined others in following the match, which Amavubi aimed to win as they were facing Nigeria in a group stage match for Africa Cup of Nations qualification, to be held in Morocco.

The Head of State arrived at the beginning of the second half of the game, with widespread excitement hovering over Amahoro Stadium as Amavubi firmly held to a 0-0 draw.
The national team secured two points from the draw with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who now have four points from two matches.

The last match President Kagame attended was during CHAN 2016, when Amavubi faced the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda.

This was the first national team match played at this stadium, but it wasn’t the first game held there. Another match President Kagame attended at the venue was between APR FC and Police FC, marking the official opening of Amahoro Stadium in 1999.