Announcing the deal, APR FC highlighted the striker’s contribution, revealing that he has scored 60 goals and provided seven assists since joining the club.
“The numbers speak. The commitment remains. The ambition continues!” the club announced.
In September 2026, Ouattara confirmed that he was in negotiations with APR FC over a possible extension, despite interest from several other clubs.
The striker has also earned several individual accolades during his time with the military side, including the Golden Boot at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup and the top scorer award in the 2025/26 BK Pro League.
At team level, he has helped APR FC win back-to-back Rwanda Premier League titles in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, the 2025/26 Peace Cup and the 2025 FERWAFA Super Cup.
Ouattara also played a key role in APR FC’s 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign, scoring twice as the club defeated DR Congo’s Les Aigles du Congo 3-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round.
However, APR FC’s continental campaign ended in the second preliminary round after they were eliminated by Egyptian side Zamalek SC.
Announcing the deal, APR FC highlighted the striker’s contribution, revealing that he has scored 60 goals and provided seven assists since joining the club.APR FC captain and striker Djibril Ouattara has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2028.Djibril Ouattara has been a key striker for APR FC.
Djibril Ouattara has helped APR FC win several trophies.
The position was communicated by NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum in a letter to Senators Jeff Merkley, a Democrat representing Oregon, and Marsha Blackburn, a Republican representing Tennessee.
The senators had raised concerns about the NBA’s partnership with Rwanda, citing allegations of human rights violations and war crimes.
They also accused Rwanda of using sports to improve its international image.
In their letter, the senators said they were “increasingly alarmed” by the partnership and urged the NBA to reconsider its relationship with Rwanda.
In response, the NBA said its international operations follow US government policy and that it adjusts its activities in accordance with Washington’s decisions.
“In all instances, we follow US policy,” Tatum said.
He also explained that the league’s international operations vary depending on the circumstances in each country.
The NBA has a partnership with Rwanda that has seen Kigali host Basketball Africa League (BAL) games at BK Arena.
Despite the concerns raised by the senators, the NBA said it would continue adjusting its operations in line with US policy.
The handover ceremony took place at FERWAFA headquarters on Thursday, October 29, following Shema’s resignation on September 29, 2026.
In a letter to the federation’s General Assembly, Shema linked his decision to his personal conduct, saying stepping down was necessary to protect FERWAFA’s integrity, maintain public confidence and ensure its activities continued without disruption.
Speaking during the handover, he thanked those who had supported him and pledged to remain involved in Rwandan football.
“I am not leaving football behind. I will continue attending matches at the stadium and will accompany Amavubi on various occasions. I hope we will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
Shema’s resignation came amid a court case related to his medical equipment business, Africa Medical Supplier. He had faced charges of issuing bounced cheques and obtaining another person’s property through fraud.
On September 22, Nyarugenge Primary Court ordered his release after he accepted a plea agreement with the prosecution. The prosecution told the court that he had made the required payment and requested a six-month suspended sentence for one year and a fine of Rwf3 million.
FERWAFA’s presidential eligibility rules stipulate that candidates must not have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for more than six months.
Gasarabwe pledges continuity
Gasarabwe, who previously served as FERWAFA’s First Vice President in charge of Finance and Administration, pledged to maintain ongoing projects while making adjustments where necessary.
“We will not abandon the project we started when we were elected. If necessary, we will refine it for the benefit of Rwandan football,” she said.
She also called for unity, professionalism, improved performance and accountability within the federation.
Shema’s record
Shema took office in 2025, prioritising improved finances for football clubs and greater self-sufficiency.
During his tenure, FERWAFA distributed Rwf484 million in prize money to eight teams in the men’s top-flight league. The champions received Rwf80 million, while the team finishing eighth earned Rwf10 million.
He also supported efforts to recruit talented Rwandan players based abroad for the national team, Amavubi, and facilitated a training camp for the team in Egypt.
However, he leaves office without achieving his stated ambitions of guiding Rwanda to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Rwanda last appeared at AFCON in 2004.
Gasarabwe now faces the task of maintaining the federation’s ongoing programmes as it navigates the leadership change and continues preparations for upcoming football competitions.
The handover ceremony took place at FERWAFA headquarters on Thursday, October 29, following Shema’s resignation on September 29, 2026.Speaking during the handover, Shema thanked those who had supported him and pledged to remain involved in Rwandan football.Gasarabwe, who previously served as FERWAFA’s First Vice President in charge of Finance and Administration, pledged to maintain ongoing projects while making adjustments where necessary.
The match will take place at the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seat facility built as part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 with Rwanda’s neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
The fixture will bring two of Europe’s prominent clubs to East Africa as the region prepares to host the continental tournament, which will be staged across three countries for the first time.
The 2027 edition will also mark AFCON’s return to East Africa after more than 50 years.
FC Bayern board member for marketing and sales Rouven Kasper said the match would help the German club strengthen its relationship with supporters across Africa.
“FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection. It’s a continent with a huge passion for football,” Kasper said.
He added that the event would give African supporters an opportunity to experience the club first-hand while raising the profile of German football and the Bundesliga.
The match will take place at the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seat facility built as part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027.
Ticket sales are scheduled to begin on November 5 through the stadium’s official website.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced the fixture on October 28, describing it as a meeting between two major European clubs. He noted that Bayern Munich and Ajax have won Europe’s top club competition a combined 10 times.
The stadium, located at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi, is one of Kenya’s key infrastructure projects for AFCON 2027. Construction began in March 2024, with the government overseeing the works through the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces.
The facility is designed primarily for football and rugby, with spectators seated closer to the playing surface than in traditional multipurpose stadiums.
Beyond AFCON 2027, the stadium is expected to expand Kenya’s capacity to host international sporting events.
German football giants Bayern Munich will face Dutch record champions Ajax in Nairobi on January 5, 2027, in a match marking the official opening of Kenya’s new national stadium ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Over the weekend, the NCBA Golf Series Rwanda concluded its two-day Kigali qualifier, with players recognized across several categories and leading performers earning opportunities to compete at the regional grand finale.
Scheduled for November 27 at Karen Country Club in Nairobi, the finale is part of a competition that has attracted significant private-sector investment over the years.
NCBA Bank Rwanda Managing Director Maurice Toroitich says the NCBA Bank group invests about $1 million annually in golf across the region, viewing the sport as a platform for developing talent, nurturing ambition and bringing people together beyond the golf course.
“We believe that in investing in golf, we give an opportunity to many people to not just enjoy the game of golf, but to actually realize their dream of potentially becoming great golfers in the region,” Toroitich told participants at the event.
His remarks point to a broader ambition behind the Rwanda series of creating opportunities for golfers to develop their abilities while building a stronger sporting community across East Africa.
From the course to a regional stage
Among the standout performers in Kigali was Alice Rwigema, who won the overall women’s gross title after recording 84 on the first day and 82 on the second, finishing with a combined score of 166.
Her victory earned her a trophy, a golf bag and a place at the Nairobi finale, where she will have the opportunity to compete against golfers from across the region.
“I am delighted to have won the overall women’s gross title. This victory means a lot to me, and qualifying for the regional finale in Nairobi is both an honor and an exciting opportunity to represent Rwanda,” she said.
Rwigema expressed optimism in competing with golfers from across the region. Well aware that the competition will be challenging, she promised commitment in preparing well and giving her very best.
“I also hope this achievement will inspire more women and girls in Rwanda to embrace golf and pursue their potential in the sport,” she proudly said.
Beyond her achievements on the course, Rwigema serves as the Rwanda Golf Union Women’s Representative, where she actively promotes women’s and girls’ participation in golf.
Rwigema was among three overall gross winners recognized at the Kigali qualifier. Evans Mose took the men’s title with 152 gross, while Innocent Rutamu won the seniors’ category with 156. All three earned trophies, golf bags and trips to Nairobi.
The 36-hole net competition recognized winners across six categories. Paul Mburu won the men’s handicap 0–9 category with 148, while Davis Nteziryayo took the 10–18 category with 137 and Emmanuel Rukangira won the 19–28 category with 148.
In the women’s categories, Melissa Akanigi won the 0–18 title with 150, while Park Sunran took the 19–36 category with 143. Joseph Ntambara won the seniors’ category with 152.
In the daily net competitions, Peter Nizeyimana recorded 64 to win on the first day, while Emmanuel Wuver took the second-day title with 66.
Special awards went to Benjamin Mukisa, Melissa Akanigi and Kang Kwang Jong for the longest drives in the men’s, ladies’ and seniors’ categories, respectively. Anton Larsen, Sheetal Philip and Janvier Gasasira won the corresponding nearest-the-pin awards.
Golfers who excelled in different categories received awards at the NCBA Golf Series Rwanda qualifier in Kigali.
Investing in the game beyond competition
For NCBA, the Rwanda series is part of a longer-term commitment to golf in the country and the wider region.
Toroitich said the bank had supported the sport in Rwanda for three years and across the region for six.
“The ambition is not limited to producing elite golfers. Our annual investment is intended to help more people participate and pursue their ambitions but the relationships built through the game, the camaraderie, engagement and friendship among participants are especially important,” he said.
He pointed to the bank’s recent support for the Sunshine Tour as an example of the wider opportunities that investment in golf can help create. Young players developing their skills today, he said, could one day reach that professional level.
That wider value helps explain why the bank continues to invest in a sport that requires sustained practice, access to facilities and opportunities to compete.
For players, local tournaments provide a setting to test their progress while regional events offer another measure of how far they can go.
The Kigali qualifier perfectly served the two purposes on Saturday by recognizing achievement on the course and identifying golfers who will carry Rwanda’s flag into the next stage of the series.
But most importantly, turning the strong performances in Kigali into competitive results against a broader regional field will truly define the Nairobi trip as a reward for performance and an opportunity to take another step in the sport.
NCBA Bank Rwanda Managing Director Maurice Toroitich (right) highlighted the bank’s investment in golf and its commitment to developing regional talent.Winners in the men’s, women’s and seniors’ categories earn places at the NCBA Golf Series regional grand finale in Nairobi.Participants competed for places at the NCBA Golf Series regional grand finale scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya, on November 27.Golfers took part in the two-day NCBA Golf Series Rwanda qualifier at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.NCBA remains committed to supporting golf development, promoting wider participation and creating pathways for emerging talent to compete at higher levels.
The England captain was named the world’s best player at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, becoming the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years.
Kane, 33, earned the honour after scoring 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern retain their Bundesliga title as part of a domestic treble.
He finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal in the voting.
The victory places Kane alongside England greats Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen, who was the country’s most recent winner in 2001.
For Kane, the award represents the culmination of a journey that took him from loan spells early in his career to becoming one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal both achieved greatness last season, but it still wasn’t enough for either of them to claim soccer’s top individual prize.
A journey built on persistence
Kane did not rise straight to the top. Reflecting on his career during the ceremony, he spoke about the challenges he faced before establishing himself among the world’s leading players.
“For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible,” he said.
“My journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now.”
His breakthrough came at Tottenham Hotspur, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable goal-scorers. He also became a key figure for England, captaining the national team through major international tournaments.
Despite his individual achievements, major team trophies remained elusive during his time at Tottenham. The club reached the Champions League final in 2019, while England reached the finals of the European Championship under Kane’s captaincy.
His performances earned widespread recognition, but the absence of major silverware remained a defining feature of his career.
The England captain was named the world’s best player at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, becoming the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years.
The move that changed everything
Kane left Tottenham for Bayern Munich in 2023, seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to compete regularly for major honours.
The move marked a turning point in his career. At Bayern, he continued his remarkable scoring record while helping the German club compete for domestic and European titles.
His first major team trophy came in the 2024/25 season, when Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga title. He subsequently helped the club win the German Cup and German Super Cup in 2025/26.
Kane’s performances also strengthened his standing among Europe’s elite forwards. He scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern during the 2025/26 campaign, including 36 in the Bundesliga and 14 in the Champions League, where the club reached the semi-finals.
His six goals for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup further boosted his season tally, taking his total to 73 goals across 65 appearances for club and country.
The figures helped distinguish him from a competitive field that included Mbappé and Yamal, who finished second and third respectively in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Recognition at last
Kane’s triumph also ended a long wait for English football. Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, receiving the award in 2001 after an outstanding season with Liverpool.
Kane became the fifth Englishman to win the honour, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
The award was particularly significant because Kane had never previously finished higher than 10th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Kane acknowledged the role his teammates and coaches had played in his success, describing the award as an achievement that extended beyond individual performance.
He thanked his teammates at Bayern and the England national team, including those who created scoring opportunities and helped draw defenders away from him.
“As much as this is an individual award, I’ll give thanks to them because it wouldn’t be possible without any of them, and that’s what makes a team,” he said.
Kane also expressed hope that his journey would inspire young players who aspire to reach the highest level of the game.
For Bayern, his victory adds another distinction to a successful period under head coach Vincent Kompany. For England, it restores the country to the top of an award that has eluded its players for a quarter of a century.
England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane reacts after receiving the Ballon d’Or award for the best male footballer.
The championships began on October 15, 2026, at Kasarani Indoor Arena, bringing together 150 boxers representing 15 African countries.
Rwanda was represented by six boxers who competed across four weight categories: 47–50kg, 50–55kg, 55–60kg and 60–65kg.
The team secured its first-ever silver medal at the continental competition through Valentin, while Pacifique Niyonzima, Jean Claude Iyanone and Kenny each won a bronze medal.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for Rwandan boxing, as the country had not previously won a medal at the championships.
The Rwanda Boxing Federation (RBF) described the results as the beginning of continued progress, pledging to intensify training and build a stronger national team capable of winning gold medals in future competitions.
Kenya, the host nation, emerged as the best-performing country at the African Boxing Elite Championships, winning 14 medals, including five gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
Rwanda’s boxing team celebrates its first-ever silver medal at the African championships.Rwanda’s boxing team showcased its skills at the African championships.
The Rwandan side were knocked out by Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second qualifying round, losing 4-2 on aggregate over two legs.
Speaking to Rayon Sports supporters who welcomed the team in Maputo on Saturday, October 24, Murenzi said the club would now focus on the domestic league, where winning the title remains a key target agreed upon by the management, coaching staff and players.
“It is difficult to compete on two fronts. Our players were very focused on these matches because they were important. Our commitment to the coach and his technical team, as well as to the players, is that we must win this season’s league title,” he said.
Rayon Sports return to the BK Pro League with ground to make up after several fixtures were postponed due to their participation in continental competition.
After six matchdays in the league, the club have played only twice, drawing against Sunrise FC and losing to Gorilla FC. They have one point and sit at the bottom of the standings.
Rayon Sports are expected to host Mukura VS in their next league fixture before travelling to face Marine FC. They will then visit Sudanese side Al Hilal SC.
The club, which plays in blue and white, last won the Rwandan league title in the 2018/19 season.
Rayon Sports interim president Murenzi Abdallah said he and the coaching staff, led by Haringingo Francis, have set winning this season’s league title as their target.Murenzi said the club would now focus on the domestic league, where winning the title remains a key target agreed upon by the management, coaching staff and players.
In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, Youssouf commended the Rwandan Government for securing the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and evidence of the continent’s growing capacity to host major international sporting events.
The agreement, announced on October 13, will bring the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s, once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District is completed.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes the agreement to bring Formula 1 to Rwanda, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and a testament to the continent’s growing potential to host world-class international sporting events,” the AU statement reads.
The agreement, announced on October 13, will bring the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s, once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District is completed.
Youssouf said international sporting events offer African countries an opportunity to strengthen their presence on the global stage while opening up economic opportunities beyond the competitions themselves.
He highlighted their potential to attract investment, promote tourism, develop local expertise and expand opportunities for young people.
The AU Commission chairperson also emphasised sport’s role in economic development, describing it as a catalyst for job creation, youth empowerment and regional integration.
He called for stronger collaboration between African governments, private-sector players and other stakeholders to ensure the benefits of major sporting events extend beyond race weekends and reach local communities.
The initiative, he noted, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens.
The agreement comes as Rwanda continues to use international sporting events to promote tourism, attract investment and strengthen its profile as a destination for global competitions.
Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix.
A wider ambition for African motorsport
President Paul Kagame said during the unveiling of the deal on October 13 that Rwanda’s Formula 1 plans are part of a wider ambition to ensure Africa benefits more from the global sports industry through skills development, investment and greater participation in motorsport.
“We want to contribute, not just participate. This new chapter in motorsports starts today,” Kagame said, arguing that the project should create opportunities for Africans to become more than spectators, including through technical careers and involvement in the wider motorsport economy.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted that Rwanda had offered the vision and partnership the sport was seeking as it considered a return to Africa. Formula 1 last held a Grand Prix on the continent in South Africa in 1993.
“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda,” Domenicali said.
He added that the ambition went beyond hosting a race, saying the project should create lasting opportunities and inspire future generations.
“This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” he said.
In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, Youssouf commended the Rwandan Government for securing the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and evidence of the continent’s growing capacity to host major international sporting events.
The 41-year-old Ferrari driver said the prospect of racing on the continent has given him fresh motivation to remain in the sport, following Formula One’s announcement of a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
“I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” Hamilton said.
“I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going,” he added.
Hamilton, who will turn 42 in January 2027, is contracted to Ferrari through 2027. Competing in Rwanda would therefore require him to remain competitive beyond his current deal, although he has not announced a firm retirement date.
The British driver has long advocated for Formula One to return to Africa, repeatedly questioning why the continent was absent from a championship that races across the rest of the world.
“I’ve been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many years,” he said.
“It’s about more than just one country. It’s about the continent itself. The culture is so rich, and I think it’s important that we get to show that to the world,” he added.
Hamilton has also described the campaign to bring a Grand Prix to Africa as a personal mission, saying he spent years engaging Formula One officials and other stakeholders to push for the move.
He recalled holding numerous meetings with Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, alongside calls and discussions with leaders from different African countries.
“I think for me, it’s a place that deserves to have a Grand Prix,” Hamilton said.
The planned Rwandan race would mark Formula One’s first event in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Hamilton’s enthusiasm was echoed by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who encouraged the veteran racer to remain in the sport long enough to take part in the inaugural event.
“You got to do at least the first one,” Antonelli told Hamilton.
He noted that bringing Formula One to Africa could encourage greater international interest in the continent’s history and present-day challenges.
The prospect of racing in Rwanda comes as Hamilton seeks to remain competitive with Ferrari while pursuing his ambition of competing in an African Grand Prix before retiring.
The 41-year-old Ferrari driver said the prospect of racing on the continent has given him fresh motivation to remain in the sport, following Formula One’s announcement of a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
