The coaches are expected to travel to Madrid later this week, where the training sessions will officially begin on May 23, 2026.
The initiative is part of a broader partnership between Rwanda and Atlético de Madrid, implemented through the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Since February 2026, Spanish coaches from the club have been conducting technical and tactical training sessions for Rwandan coaches, particularly those involved in youth football development across the country.
Following the initial training phase, 13 coaches were selected to continue the program through online classes held twice a week, with advanced in-person sessions scheduled to take place in Spain.
The selected coaches are Haruna Niyonzima, Itangishaka Blaise, Sifa Gloria Nibagwire, Innocent Murwanashyaka, Iragena Oscarie, Joseph Junior Rutagengwa, Nadia Bugenimana, Nicolas Hakizimana, Darius Hirwa, Damascène Nsengiyumva, Emmanuel Coman Mugisha, Schadrack Nsengayire, and Shema Bravo.
The delegation left Rwanda on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for Tanzania, where they will finalize travel documentation required for entry into Spain.
President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Ngoga, said the program is designed to help Rwanda build a stronger pool of qualified coaches capable of developing local football talent.
“All coaches are expected to meet the required standards because this is a serious professional program, not a recreational activity. Those who do not perform are dropped from the course. The 13 selected coaches attend classes twice a week, and they are expected to play a key role in developing many more coaches in the future,” he said.
Atlético de Madrid, one of Spain’s most successful football clubs with 11 league titles, has partnered with Rwanda under the Visit Rwanda campaign to promote the country’s tourism sector internationally. The partnership includes branding at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium and on the club’s training kits.
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