In a press conference on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Bizimana shared his thoughts ahead of the final match of the FIFA Series in Kigali.
When asked about facing Estonia, the first European team Amavubi will face, he acknowledged the tough challenge ahead.
“This will be our first time playing against a European team since I joined Amavubi. We closely follow their leagues, and many European players have a similar style of play. As a team, we’ve discussed this, and we’re determined to win the match,” he said.
“Each player is eager to win a big match, especially one that others might think is out of reach for us. What we also hope for is the support of our fans, just like in our last match. We’re committed to giving our all to secure the victory.”
Rwanda’s national team has often given their fans hope with impressive wins, followed by disappointing losses or draws.
However, Bizimana assured that this time, Amavubi are determined to create a new chapter in the team’s history.
“History is history, and the past is behind us. Now, we are preparing for the final game, and we know we must give everything we have to keep the trophy with us because we may never have another opportunity to host it. This is a new moment for us to make our own history,” he emphasized.
The final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA Series will see Amavubi face Estonia on Monday, March 30, at 1:30 PM at Amahoro Stadium.
Rwanda secured their spot in the final after a dominant 4-0 win over Grenada, with goals from Leroy-Jacques Mickels, Kwizera Jojea, Bizimana Djihad, and Hakim Sahabo.
Estonia advanced after defeating Kenya in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw.
Rwanda secured their spot in the final after a dominant 4-0 win over Grenada,Bizimana assured that this time, Amavubi are determined to create a new chapter in the team’s history.
Fighters from across Africa, including Nigeria, Algeria, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Gabon, and more, have arrived in Rwanda, with many experiencing the country for the first time. Their reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Kigali as a welcoming, well-organized, and beautiful destination for training and competition.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Lamrani Abderrazeek, the Algerian cruiserweight, shared his excitement about his first visit to Rwanda. Having passed through Dubai before arriving in Kigali.
“This is my first time in Rwanda, and I really like it. The people here are nice. Everything is easy. Everything is straight. The weather is amazing. It’s the best place to visit. It’s the best place to do your camp, and it’s the best place to fight.”
Abderrazeek’s words reflect the sentiments of many international athletes who have praised Rwanda’s clean environment, modern gyms, and friendly atmosphere.
Lamrani Abderrazeek shared his excitement about his first visit to Rwanda.
Nene Joy Ojo, the Nigerian female boxer making waves on the card, also called on her fellow Nigerians and supporters to show up in force:
“If you’re here, come support your girl. Get your ticket from KCC Roundabout on the 28th of this month.”
Ojo’s message highlights the growing visibility of women’s boxing at Kigali Fight Night, which will feature several high-profile female matchups.
Nene Joy Ojo highlighted the growing visibility of women’s boxing at Kigali Fight Night.
The excitement is shared by matchmaker Khaled, who hails from both Uganda and Dubai. He sees Kigali Fight Night as a landmark moment for African boxing.
“I’m excited to be in Rwanda simply because it’s a beautiful country, first of all, and yeah, it is a fresh market for boxing, especially pro boxing… Silverback says it is redefining African boxing. So we’re doing a great job, like putting fighters together and stuff like that.”
He added that the matchmaking for the event is strong, with international fighters on the card, and urged fans, “Definitely everybody has to come and watch.”
One fighter expressed pure confidence ahead of the main card:
“Fight night is on the 28th of this month. I’m ready. I’m ready to conquer. My opponent will have to be ready for me.”
Matchmaker Khaled, from Uganda and Dubai, sees Kigali Fight Night as a pivotal moment for African boxing.
Returning as the official ring announcer and MC, Rocky Try shared her pride in the event’s growth:
“Honestly, I was also the ring speaker last year, and being there is just electric. You can see the fighters’ real sportsmanship, their talent, and their hunger. This time, it’s going to be even bigger.”
Rocky emphasized the cultural significance of bringing professional boxing to Rwanda, especially with strong female participation both in the ring and behind the scenes:
“My pride for the Kigali Fight Night is the fact that we’re bringing the boxing culture to Rwanda… We have female athletes, we have male athletes, we have the young ones… Having something so new in Rwanda is exciting.”
To women still hesitant about boxing, she offered powerful encouragement:
“Do you know what? Let me speak to you. I started boxing at a time in my life when I had a lot of anger. But as I trained, it wasn’t about the anger anymore; it became about discipline. So, just do it. It’s like free therapy, you just pay a little more than a therapist.”
Kigali Fight Night 2026 promises to be a major milestone in Rwanda’s boxing culture, shining a spotlight on the continent’s rising boxing talent and highlighting Rwanda’s growing significance as a host for major sporting events.
Returning as the official ring announcer and MC, Rocky Try expressed her pride in Kigali Fight Night’s growth.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the competition will feature host Kenya’s Harambee Starlets alongside Australia, India and Malawi.
“Being able to host a tournament of this nature reflects the progress Kenya is making in sports development. It shows that we are moving in the right direction,” he told journalists in Nairobi.
Australia and Malawi will open the tournament before the hosts take on India on the first day of competition.
On April 15, the third-place playoff between the losers of the opening matches will be followed by the final between the two winners.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed welcomed the development.
“Hosting this tournament is a big step for Kenya’s football. It not only gives our national team valuable international exposure but also strengthens our capacity to organise and deliver competitions at the highest level.”
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the competition will feature host Kenya’s Harambee Starlets alongside Australia, India and Malawi.
The Sudanese club was knocked out after losing 1–0 in the second leg played on Sunday, March 24, 2026, at Amahoro Stadium, resulting in a 2–1 aggregate defeat. The club has been playing its “home” matches at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
In a strongly worded complaint, Al Hilal accused both the central referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official of responsibility for the loss, alleging bias in favour of their opponents.
“Al Hilal Club has sent a protest to CAF against the refereeing team of its match against RS Berkane. The club considers that the main referee and the VAR official were responsible for the defeat due to bias in favour of the opponent,” the statement reads.
The club further questioned the competence of the officiating team, stating that it had previously requested the appointment of experienced, qualified and credible referees to handle high-stakes matches, in order to safeguard the integrity of competition and respect teams’ preparations.
According to the complaint, those concerns were not addressed, with Al Hilal arguing that a referee lacking sufficient experience was instead appointed. The club also accused the VAR official of being complicit, describing the decisions made during the match as “catastrophic” and directly influencing the outcome.
Al Hilal supported its protest with video evidence highlighting what it described as major refereeing errors. These include a controversial incident in which a penalty was awarded against its defender following a VAR review. The club maintains that the footage shows the opposing attacker raising his foot onto the defender, causing injury and forcing the Al Hilal player off the pitch, yet the referee still awarded what it termed a non-existent penalty.
The club also raised concerns over the application of VAR, arguing that its use in the incident violated Article 5 of the protocol, which states that VAR should not be applied once play has restarted. It further criticised the amount of stoppage time added, saying it did not reflect the actual time lost during reviews and interruptions.
Al Hilal additionally expressed frustration over what it described as CAF’s continued disregard of its previous complaints regarding refereeing, warning that such inaction risks enabling unfair decisions.
Based on its submission and the accompanying video evidence, the club has called for an immediate investigation, urging CAF to take action to protect the integrity of the competition and ensure justice is served.
Al Hilal SC was eliminated from the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. In a strongly worded complaint, Al Hilal accused both the central referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official of responsibility for the loss, alleging bias in favour of their opponents.Al-Hilal SC defender Saeed Ahmed was taken off on a stretcher after his challenge in the penalty area resulted in a penalty.Al Hilal SC does not accept the penalty decision.
The squad assembled on Sunday evening at the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) hotel in Kigali, marking the start of residential training as the team gears up for the international tournament.
Among the early arrivals are several foreign-based players, including three brothers leading the attacking line: Mickels Joy Slayd (FK Karvan), Mickels Joy Lance (Saba Baku), and Mickels Leroy Jacques (Zira FK).
They are joined by a strong contingent of internationals such as Innocent Nshuti (Al Wafaq Ajdabia), Djihad Bizimana (CS Constantine), David Niyo (NK Veres Rivne), Kevin Muhire (Jamus SC), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira FK), Abeddy Biramahire (Assabah FC), Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye (KVC Wilrijk), and Johan Marvin Kury (AC Bellinzona).
Locally based players have also reported to camp, with APR FC contributing Gilbert Byiringiro, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Adolphe Hakizimana, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro, Yunusu Nshimiyimana, and Claude Niyomugabo, while Police FC is represented by Patience Niyongira.
The squad was received by head coach Stephen Constantine, alongside assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana, who played a key role in assembling the team.
Kigali will host the FIFA Series tournament for the first time, with Rwanda set to open their campaign against Grenada at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Among the early arrivals are several foreign-based players, including three brothers leading the attacking line: Mickels Joy Slayd (FK Karvan), Mickels Joy Lance (Saba Baku), and Mickels Leroy Jacques (Zira FK).Kury Johan Marvin has once again responded to Amavubi’s call-up.Djihad Bizimana is ready to inspire Amavubi once more as captain.Ruboneka Jean Bosco and Mugisha Gilbert checked in together for Amavubi duty.Niyo David, who plays for NK Veres Rivne FC in Ukraine, was among the first to report to camp.Amavubi goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana checks in at camp.Mickels Joy Lance will play for Rwanda for the first time.Innocent Nshuti is expected to lead Amavubi’s scoring efforts.Abeddy Biramahire of Assabah FC is among Rwanda’s top forwards.Kevin Muhire, who plays for Jamus in South Sudan, has arrived in Rwanda.Zira FK’s Ange Mutsinzi set to strengthen Rwanda’s defence.Jean Bosco Ruboneka has also joined the Amavubi training camp.Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye of KVC Wilrijk has also arrived in Rwanda for training.Yunusu Nshimiyimana has joined the Amavubi training camp.The squad was received by head coach Stephen Constantine.
The City of Kigali–backed side saw its relegation effectively sealed with one match remaining in the 2025/26 FERWAFA Women’s Super League season, following a 1-1 draw with Inyemera WFC on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in a Matchday 21 fixture.
Inyemera WFC, which hosted the encounter, proved a difficult opponent, and the match ended level despite both teams creating opportunities. The result left AS Kigali WFC in 11th place with 13 points, four points behind Forever WFC, which sits 10th with 17 points.
AS Kigali WFC will be relegated alongside Nyagatare WFC, who lost 2-1 to Bugesera FC. The Nyagatare-based side has failed to register a single point this season and will go down regardless of the outcome of its remaining fixture against AS Kigali WFC.
AS Kigali WFC now features a squad largely composed of young players.
The 2025/26 campaign has been a challenging one for AS Kigali WFC, marked by significant squad changes and instability in the technical bench.
The season began with the return of Mukamusonera Théogènie as head coach, replacing Bizumuremyi Radjab, who had left to join Rutsiro FC in the men’s top division. However, coaching changes continued in February when Mukamusonera was replaced by his assistant, Mubumbyi Adolphe “Igor.”
Mubumbyi struggled to reverse the team’s fortunes, collecting just two points from five matches during his one-month spell in charge.
Despite its relegation, AS Kigali WFC leaves the top flight with a strong historical record. Over its 18-year stay in the first division, the club established itself as the most successful side in the league’s history, winning 12 league titles.
What unfolded was more than a demonstration of martial arts. It was a story of cultural exchange, healing, and transformation.
Eric Mugisha, secretary general of Rwanda Kung Fu Wushu Federation, highlighted the steady growth of Kung Fu across the country in an interview with Xinhua.
Representing the federation at the event, he noted the widespread presence of clubs and the unique place tai chi holds within them.
“Many clubs are based in Kigali, and we have some others in different provinces, normally we have around 30 clubs in total,” he said.
Unlike other forms of kung fu, tai chi stands apart. “This is a form of art that is not about fighting, the energy from tai chi is from within oneself, it is there to balance the harmony between body and mind,” said Mugisha.
For many Rwandans, tai chi is more than just movement – it is a personal journey.
Emile Ndagijimana, a tai chi teacher, shared a deeply rooted story of passion that began in childhood with Xinhua.
“I started practicing kung fu at the age of nine,” he recalled. Over the years, his curiosity led him from martial arts films to deeper study and eventually to tai chi.
His turning point came when he began to understand its philosophy.
“A Chinese teacher who teaches at the Confucius Institute told me that to succeed, I needed to balance and move my arms while breathing and master the balance technique of tai chi. That’s when I started loving tai chi.”
Today, Ndagijimana teaches hundreds of students and integrates tai chi into community life, especially for healing and wellbeing.
“In Rwanda, people do not know about tai chi; they think it’s fighting,” he explained. “Tai chi is a form of medicine, it helps them move their joints, and those who are sick.”
His mission is clear, bringing tai chi to both young people and the elderly. “The reason I teach tai chi is that I see that it helps in healing, if more Rwandans learn tai chi, it could assist them in healing.”
Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima is a martial art lover whose enthusiasm reflects a growing appreciation among youth. Her introduction to tai chi came through her martial arts club and visiting Chinese instructors. “I love tai chi because I hear it is the medicine of the health. It helps our body, it helps our feelings, also our brain,” she said.
Though she admits the practice requires dedication, but the benefits keep her committed.
“I feel good when I am doing tai chi, my blood goes well. I didn’t get sick again like how I got sick before I practiced tai chi.”
At a broader level, the impact of tai chi in Rwanda reflects years of cultural collaboration. Zeng Guangyu, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized how far the practice has come since its introduction in 2009.
“More than a decade later, it’s no longer us who practice tai chi best. It’s the Rwandans,” he said proudly.
Today, thousands of practitioners and dozens of trained instructors are helping embed tai chi into local communities. Beyond physical exercise, Zeng underscored its deeper significance: “Tai chi does not advocate confrontation; instead, it champions the principles of ‘overcoming hardness with softness’ and ‘tolerance and inclusiveness.’”
As Rwanda joined the global celebration of the first International Taijiquan Day, the message is clear – tai chi is no longer just a foreign tradition. It is becoming a shared cultural bridge, a tool for health, and a symbol of harmony.
Local people practice Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima (C) practices Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Zeng Guangyu (front R), Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, communicates with local people for Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.
Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level.
Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.
CAF said an appeals board had since ruled that Senegal forfeited the match. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Morocco has been awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.
Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level.
Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.
CAF said an appeals board had since ruled that Senegal forfeited the match. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
In a statement, CAF said Senegal breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, triggering the application of Article 84.
Article 82 states that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s authorization is considered to have lost and is eliminated from the competition. Article 84 adds that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat and permanent elimination.
Senegal players celebrate with Africa Cup of Nations trophy after the final against Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026.Players of Morocco express their despair after the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, the event will take place at KCC Roundabout, Kigali Heights, delivering a professional boxing showcase designed to elevate the sport in Rwanda while creating a vibrant cultural experience for fans.
Organized and promoted by Silverback Sports, Kigali Fight Night will feature professional boxers from across Africa, including fighters from Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and beyond, competing in a high-level lineup of bouts under the lights.
Adding to the international profile of the event, renowned boxing coaches and trainers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai are expected to be in Kigali for the tournament, creating a rare opportunity for knowledge exchange, talent scouting, and exposure for local fighters.
This level of participation signals a significant moment not only for Rwanda but for African professional boxing, positioning Kigali as an emerging hub for the sport and opening new pathways for fighters across the continent to access global networks, training standards, and competitive platforms.
The event blends boxing with live DJ performances, music, dramatic fighter walkouts, and an electric ringside atmosphere, transforming the venue into a celebration of athleticism, entertainment, and African sporting culture.
According to Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, the event is a strategic investment in the long-term future of boxing in the country.
“Kigali Fight Night is about more than one night of boxing. It is about creating a pathway for Rwandan fighters to transition from amateur boxing into professional careers, compete in international tournaments, and gain global exposure. Events like this help us build the foundations of the sport by strengthening local clubs, developing talent, and moving toward the creation of a professional boxing competition in Rwanda,” he said.
Beyond developing athletes, Kigali Fight Night is also opening doors for local economic growth and business development. The organizers have created opportunities for Rwandan businesses, entrepreneurs, and brands to participate directly in the event by offering free vendor spaces at the venue.
This initiative allows small and emerging businesses to showcase their products and services to hundreds of attendees, creating new opportunities for visibility, networking, and sales. From food vendors and fashion brands to lifestyle products and creative enterprises, the vendor marketplace ensures that the economic impact of the event extends beyond the ring.
By integrating local businesses into the event ecosystem, Kigali Fight Night aims to stimulate micro-enterprise growth, strengthen local supply chains, and deepen collaboration between sports, entertainment, and commerce, reinforcing the role of sports as a driver of economic activity in Rwanda.
Jermaine Burke, CEO of Silverback Sports and promoter of the event, said the vision goes beyond hosting a single tournament.
“Kigali Fight Night is not just about boxing. It is about building an ecosystem around sports that benefits athletes, businesses, and communities. By bringing international fighters and coaches to Rwanda while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, we are helping to position Kigali as a serious destination for global boxing and sports entertainment,” he said.
The official fight card will feature a series of high-profile matchups, including Tamba Merlin vs Yusufu Changarawe (Main Card), Jerry Katamba (DRC) vs Ali Mkojani (Tanzania), and Kingbo Hans (Gabon) vs Taafu Odoyi (Uganda). The event will also highlight women’s boxing with bouts such as Daniella Muleketsi (DRC) vs Martha Akinyi (Uganda) and Nene Joy Ojo (Nigeria) vs Leila Yazidu (Tanzania).
In addition to the professional bouts, Kigali Fight Night will feature seven amateur fights showcasing Rwanda’s most promising young boxers, giving emerging athletes the opportunity to compete on a major stage and gain valuable exposure.
Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. for amateur bouts and the vendor village, with the main event scheduled for 5:00 p.m., offering fans an afternoon and evening filled with fights, music, and entertainment. Attendees will be able to choose from multiple ticket categories, including Diamond Ringside, Platinum VIP, and Gold Regular seating options.
Open to fans of all ages, Kigali Fight Night is expected to attract a diverse audience of sports fans, entertainment lovers, and business communities. By combining world-class boxing with opportunities for local entrepreneurship, the event positions itself as both a sporting spectacle and a platform for economic participation.
With international fighters, global coaching presence, rising Rwandan talent, and a strong emphasis on community and commerce, Kigali Fight Night promises to be one of the most exciting and impactful sporting events of the year in Rwanda and a key step forward for African professional boxing.
Kigali Fight Night will feature professional boxers from across AfricaIn addition to the professional bouts, Kigali Fight Night will feature seven amateur fights showcasing Rwanda’s most promising young boxers.
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, a letter from the City of Kigali circulated, asking AS Kigali to make a decision on whether to dissolve and merge with other teams supported by the city, namely Kiyovu Sports and Gasogi United.
At the time, Kiyovu Sports spokesperson Minani Hemed stated that the plan had been poorly considered and that it would erase the history of the club’s establishment.
Gasogi United also expressed its opposition, claiming that such a merger was not feasible.
Speaking to Radio Rwanda, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, spokesperson for Kigali City, stated that if the teams refuse to merge, the city will stop its support for them.
“If these teams [AS Kigali, Kiyovu, and Gasogi] fail to merge and decide to continue separately, the city will stop providing its support. However, we are still awaiting their response,” she noted.
The teams have been given a deadline of March 30, 2026, to notify Kigali City of their decision.
She added, “If all of them refuse, we plan to start with a new team and build it from the ground up. If they agree to merge, we will continue together in the top league.”
Kigali City emphasizes that the goal of merging these teams is to pool resources and help the new team become stronger and more competitive in fighting for trophies.
Kigali City spokesperson, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya speaking to the press at a past event. The City of Kigali has proposed the merger of AS Kigali and Kiyovu Sports
