Ministry records indicate that out of the 5,000 individuals intended for transfer, only about 700 can be located at present.
Officials estimate that the first flight could carry between 100 and 150 people, depending on the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that transfers are scheduled to commence early this year, pending legislative approval.
The proposed bill seeks to eliminate specific legal barriers related to the UK’s policy with Rwanda and make amendments to aspects of human rights law. This would grant ministers the authority to override judgments from European courts.
However, the bill faced criticism last week from 50 MPs, who called for a reassessment and reforms to strengthen it.
Initially planned for June 2022, the transfer was halted by the European Court of Human Rights.
The primary challenge faced by the ministry remains locating the majority of the concerned migrants. Additionally, the transportation process from reception centers to planes is complicated by various obstacles, including protests, adverse weather conditions, and resistance from those responsible for monitoring and escorting migrants.
Suggestions have arisen that the Home Office could use Ministry of Defence aircraft to expedite the process, but the military has declined involvement in this plan.
Concerns have been raised about Rwanda’s preparedness, especially regarding the availability of lawyers to assist migrants. However, a recent agreement between the two countries aims to address these shortcomings by strengthening Rwanda’s judicial system.
The increasing influx of migrants to the UK and their disappearance before placement in transit centers further complicates the situation, potentially delaying transfers due to insufficient numbers.
Speaking to The Telegraph; Yvette Cooper, a political analyst at the Home Office highlighted numerous challenges in the transfer process. Although 17,000 people were initially expected, many remain unaccounted for.
In December last year, the UK proposed legislation facilitating the sending of migrants to Rwanda, a day after the British Home Secretary signed a new agreement in Kigali.
This agreement, initially signed in 2022, was revised following concerns from the UK Supreme Court regarding the legality of the approach and the risks of returning migrants to their home countries.
The new agreement and the bill aim to address the concerns expressed by the British Supreme Court.
The much-anticipated tournament kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday night in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Cote d’Ivoire, where the spotlight is on the continent’s premier football talents.
The event, spanning a month, will witness the participation of 24 national teams vying for glory at six stadiums across five cities as they seek to claim the AFCON title.
Many Chinese football fans, wearing orange, white and green T-shirts — colors of the national flag of Cote d’Ivoire — joined passionate crowds singing and dancing to afrobeat and rap. Together with hundreds of thousands of Chinese people living in Africa, they share the joy and pride of the locals about the grand event.
Beyond the realm of sports, the tournament is viewed as a golden opportunity to stimulate the local economy, foster international cooperation, and showcase African culture on a global stage. As the country sets the stage for this grand event, all eyes are on the unfolding drama and excitement that AFCON 2023 promises to deliver.
{{Glory of African Football }}
In the first match, Cote d’Ivoire secured a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara stadium, following an opening celebration of African culture with the participation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, African football chief Patrice Motsepe, and Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, who proudly declared his country “a land of football.”
In the last few decades, African football has made remarkable progress, with notable achievements on the global stage. Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana made their mark by reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup, while Morocco’s remarkable journey led them to the semifinals of the 2022 tournament.
The influence of African players worldwide is growing, with many top clubs boasting talents from the continent in their ranks. Icons like Liverpool’s “Egyptian King” Mohamed Salah, West Ham’s dynamic Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Stuttgart’s Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy have become integral to the success of their respective teams.
Those players, many of whom honed their skills on grassless pitches or sandy beaches during their childhood, now serve as inspirational figures for youth across Africa.
“This is fantastic,” said Serges Deble, a player from Cote d’Ivoire. “After everything we have been through, AFCON marks good progression for development in our country and the whole of Africa.” Born in Abidjan and embarking on his football journey at the age of 16, Deble has represented his country at U20 and U23 levels and has pursued his profession in both Europe and Asia. He spent two years playing for China’s Meizhou Hakka, which he called “a fantastic memory.”
Commenting on the progress in the football industry in Africa, he said, “Things are turning better for African football players.” However, he added, there is still room for increased investment to fortify the industry across the continent, and China is a natural partner in this regard.
“China already started. Not only in football but in many markets, and many people want to work with China. Our government is working closely with China. It is good collaboration. Maybe after football, I will go to China to make my business,” Deble said.
{{Long-term legacy}}
Cooperation between China and Africa in the football industry dates back more than a decade. Chinese companies assisted African countries in constructing stadiums used for AFCON 2012, 2017 and 2021. This year, China has helped Cote d’Ivoire build key infrastructure to facilitate the matches.
The president of Cote d’Ivoire’s Football Federation, Idriss Diallo, said that the country has committed investments in infrastructure linked to the competition, including the construction of four new stadiums, road improvements, as well as the renovation of hospitals and airports. Among these, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, situated in Ebimpe on the outskirts of Abidjan, stands as a long-term legacy for the nation.
The stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, is scheduled to host the opening and final matches of AFCON 2023. Completed by the Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) and handed over to the local government in 2020, this stadium is now recognized as one of the most modern in Africa. Complemented by ancillary facilities like Olympic City, it is part of a broader plan to develop the northern outskirts of Abidjan.
Even before the tournament’s opening, the stadium had become a point of interest for football fans. Taxi driver Kone Adama said, “I am as busy as a bee these two weeks. I have been taking fans in various jerseys from the airport, and they always want to make a stop first at the national stadium.”
When President Alassane Ouattara attended the stadium’s inauguration in October 2020, he recalled that the first president of the country, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, planned to build an Olympic city in Epimbe. More than 40 years later, the completion of the stadium fulfilled the wishes of several generations of leaders and tens of millions of people in Cote d’Ivoire, Ouattara said.
In addition to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Chinese companies have also constructed two additional arenas and several key roads, addressing the potential congestion on Abidjan’s thoroughfares as tens of thousands of football enthusiasts are coming to the country for the tournament.
Moreover, the Chinese technological firm TECNO, also the official sponsor of the tournament, has embarked on a campaign to renovate 100 football fields in underprivileged communities across 12 African countries to make football accessible to everyone and unleash the potential of young football enthusiasts.
“It is all about empowering African children in the sports sector by providing them the joy of playing on lush fields,” said Guo Lei, TECNO’s general manager.
{{Long-lasting friendship}}
The connection between China and Africa, as exemplified in AFCON 2023, is part of broader ties nurtured by generations on both sides.
Lu Lu, the manager of BCEG’s Cote d’Ivoire branch, said she was impressed by the China-Africa friendship and felt “the warmth of the African people toward the Chinese” while working in several African countries since 2010.
In Togo, local patients expressed their gratitude by sending fruits to Chinese doctors, while in Mali, appreciation for Chinese assistance in constructing a university was shown as locals filled pick-up trucks with oranges, delivering them to Chinese workers on the construction site. Even during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, African businessmen extended their support by donating money at the Chinese embassies, she recalled.
“People often say that with my experiences, I am considered an African now and should stay on the continent forever,” Lu said.
Her connection to Africa is deeply rooted and shaped by her father’s experiences. As a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, Lu’s father arrived in Gabon in 1995 as part of a cooperative agreement between the governments of the two countries. He was among the medical staff dedicated to advancing healthcare in Africa over the past 60 years.
Since the deployment of the first Chinese medical team to Algeria in 1963, China has sent 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries and regions across five continents, with a primary focus on Africa, providing 290 million diagnoses and treatments for local communities.
Over the past decades, China-Africa cooperation, with joint efforts, has yielded fruitful results. The two sides have built railways, highways, airports and seaports, improving connectivity both within the continent and with the rest of the world. They have also constructed renewable energy power plants, providing local populations with access to electricity without causing environmental damage.
After AFCON 2023 kicked off on Saturday, people living in remote areas in Cote d’Ivoire and other African countries were able to watch the matches at home, thanks to broadcast services provided by StarTimes, a Chinese digital TV operator. The satellite TV project was announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then, the project has helped nearly 10,000 villages in more than 20 African countries receive digital TV signals.
The ninth forum is expected to be held in China later this year, during which Chinese and African leaders will discuss new initiatives to bring benefits to people on both sides.
Reflecting on China-Africa cooperation, Deble said “I know the Chinese people are here to help, not only in football but in so many industries … We are together on the path to development.”
“Prior to our arrival in Africa, our predecessors had dedicated their lives to fostering China-Africa friendship, and we deeply admire their accomplishments. Their efforts have left an invaluable legacy that serves as both inspiration and guidance for our mission today,” Lu said.
In a show of rising young talent, England’s Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, was honored with the Kopa Trophy, celebrating the world’s finest player under the age of 21. Messi’s achievement surpassed competition from Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe, who made history with a World Cup final hat-trick.
Messi expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment,” adding, “To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.” He reflected on his incredible career, hailing the fortune of being part of the “best team in history.”
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian international, was acknowledged for his goal-scoring prowess with the Gerd Muller Trophy. Haaland’s record-breaking 36 league goals in 35 games helped secure a Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble for Manchester City. In his speech, he thanked Manchester City and his support network for shaping his journey.
With this eighth Ballon d’Or win, Messi continues to distance himself from the competition, having claimed three more titles than anyone else. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, didn’t make the shortlist for the first time in nearly two decades.
The Yashin Trophy for the world’s best goalkeeper went to Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine World Cup champion and Aston Villa’s shot-stopper. Despite his accomplishments, he faced some jeers at the Paris ceremony, likely due to a controversial celebration following their World Cup win against France.
For the second consecutive year, Manchester City was named the Club of the Year, becoming the second English club to secure a Treble. They had seven players nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr was recognized with the Socrates Award for his commitment to combating racism in football. The Brazilian winger, who has experienced racist abuse in La Liga, started a foundation that builds schools and invests in education in impoverished areas.
David Beckham, the former England and Manchester United midfielder, paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before presenting Messi with the Ballon d’Or. Sir Bobby Charlton, a legendary figure in football, recently passed away at the age of 86. Beckham highlighted Sir Bobby’s tremendous impact, both on and off the field, acknowledging that he played a pivotal role in his career and owed him everything.
The decision to rebrand the competition was driven by the desire to align it with the well-established Basketball Africa League (BAL), which has firmly rooted itself in the African basketball landscape over the course of three years.
While the tournament has undergone a name change, there have been no alterations to the participating teams or the game format. The top two performing teams in the tournament will secure an immediate ticket to compete in the official FIBA Africa Women Basketball League, set to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from December 8th to 17th, 2023.
In addition to the nomenclature change, the tournament’s dates have been adjusted, moving from the original schedule of October 21st to 28th, 2023, to the new dates of October 28th to November 4th, 2023. Nyirishema Richard, the deputy director of competitions at the Rwanda Basketball Association, cited the need to consider available infrastructure, notably the BK ARENA, as the preferred venue for the finals.
This competition will bring together ten teams from six countries, with Rwanda serving as the host nation. The participating teams include APR WBBC, who secured the 2023 Championship Cup, and REG WBBC, the runner-up.
Other participating teams comprise Vijana Queens and JKT Stars from Tanzania, Nile Legends from South Sudan, JKL Lady Dolphins and UCU Lady Canons from Uganda, Kenya Ports Authority and Zetech University from Kenya, and Gladiators from Burundi.
APR WBBC last competed in the ‘Zone V Preliminaries Women Club Championship’ in Tanzania from September 26th to October 1st, 2022, securing a third-place finish by defeating REG WBBC from Rwanda with a score of 42-39.
The championship trophy was claimed by Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) from Egypt, who triumphed over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the final match with a score of 78-67. APR’s third-place finish earned them a spot in the 2022 FIBA Women Champions Club African Games held in Maputo, Mozambique, from December 9th to 17th, 2022, where they ranked eighth among the ten participating teams.
Preparations for the teams representing Rwanda, including REG WBBC and APR WBBC, are in full swing. All the test matches are scheduled to be held at the LDK Gymnasium.
According to USA Today, this achievement not only establishes her as the most successful gymnast, regardless of gender, in history but also elevates her medal count at world championships and Olympics to an astounding 34, of which a remarkable 21 are gold.
Biles now shares the record for the most all-around titles with Japan’s Kōhei Uchimura, who also clinched six between 2009 and 2015. Remarkably, Biles’ journey is far from over as she has qualified for all four event finals, providing her with an opportunity to replicate her feat from the 2018 world championships when she medaled in all six events she participated in.
Her final score in the all-around competition stood at an impressive 58.399 points, leaving her more than a point ahead of the second-place finisher, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, who had secured last year’s world championship. Shilese Jones, another American gymnast, secured the third position. The excitement in the arena was palpable as Biles gazed at the scoreboard and witnessed her final score, prompting jubilant reactions from the audience. She promptly embraced her coach, Cecile Landi.
Simone Biles’ accomplishments are extraordinary, particularly considering the breaks she took from the sport following the Rio and Tokyo Olympics. After experiencing anxiety due to immense expectations and the isolation imposed by COVID restrictions during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles encountered the disconcerting “twisties,” which prevented her from determining her mid-air position and posed a substantial risk to her health. Consequently, she withdrew from all events except one. However, she made a triumphant return in early August by capturing her eighth U.S. title, yet another record.
Biles’ current tally of six world titles is twice as many as any other female gymnast has achieved. She effectively sealed her victory in the all-around competition right from the outset. Although she opted for a “less-difficult” vault compared to her Yurchenko double pike, her execution of the Cheng vault was superior to the reigning world champion, Rebeca Andrade, leaving her with a 0.400-point lead after the first rotation.
Andrade would have needed a major error from Biles to have any chance of catching up, but Biles displayed unwavering consistency throughout the competition. This victory was pivotal for her, as she had her eyes set on clinching medals in all four event finals, a feat she had last accomplished in 2018, marking the first time in three decades that a female gymnast had achieved such an accomplishment.
The upcoming vault and uneven bars finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the balance beam and floor exercise finals set for Sunday.
When asked about her performance, Biles shared her thought process, saying, “I actually wasn’t sure, because I didn’t know if I needed that leap for credit or for start value purposes. So I started rethinking, I was like OK, if I get to my double A quick, I can do a leap and we’ll be good. But then I was like no, no, don’t do that again.”
When questioned about whether winning world titles was becoming routine for her, given her six victories, Biles responded, “No, I think it’s always interesting. I think we had a really good group going today, so I don’t know, it’s just every year gets a little bit better and a little bit more exciting.”
She also shared a moment of emotion during the national anthem, reflecting on her journey, “OK, I was emotional because it’s — it was my first world, here, 10 years ago. And now, my sixth one. So it’s crazy,” Biles said. “But I swear, I do have something in my eye that’s been bothering me for like four hours and I cannot get it out. So while I was looking up there, it was like a combination of both.”
Even a stumble during her floor routine couldn’t deter Simone Biles from securing her sixth world championships all-around title. With a score of 14.533, she claimed the top spot and solidified her status as the most successful gymnast in history.
Biles humorously recounted her experience, saying, “For some reason, I could not pick up my feet on my lips because I actually kicked the ground in my tour jeté leap too. And then on that one, I just kicked the ground so bad and I just had to laugh at myself. I was like, am I supposed to do another leap? Because I don’t know the code THAT well. I just do whatever I’m told. So I was like, I think I need to take another leap. And I was like, no, I don’t have time, my music’s going to run out.”
This year’s race is organized by Global Events Africa, the license holder and organiser of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda, together with partners including Visit Rwanda, Ministry of Sports, the District of Rubavu, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and Cheetah Energy Drink (a product of Bralirwa).
Athletes participating in IRONMAN® 70.3® Rwanda will take on a 1.9km swim course at the waterfront of Lake Kivu, a 90km bike course, and lastly a multi-lap 21.1km run course that spans the shoreline of Lake Kivu. The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles covered in the triathlon.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda 2023 follows a successful inaugural 2022 race that took top honors in Overall Satisfaction to be awarded the Overall Best Race at the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Athletes’ Choice Awards, highlighting the highest-scoring events in a variety of categories based on athlete surveys from all the 2022 IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® races from around the world.
This was further testament of Rwanda’s ability to successfully host a diversity of international sports events and in particular, Rubavu District’s destination readiness to host international sports events of this caliber.
During a press to unveil the 2023 race week program with its event partners on 25th July 2023, Acting Mayor, Rubavu District, Deogratias Nzabonimpa said: “We do not take it for granted that we are hosting this event for the second time. We are ready to welcome all participants again to our district and hope everyone enjoys the fun activities planned out on the day of the race.”
On behalf of Visit Rwanda, IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda’s Premium Partner, Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome all athletes and fans to Rwanda, in a couple of days, for the second edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda, taking place in Rubavu. The race promises to be full of excitement as participants will race along the scenic Lake Kivu waterfront. Together with the private sector, Rwanda is ready to welcome everyone for memorable experiences.”
Bonita Mutoni, Director, Global Events Africa, said: “Rwanda offers a variety of host cities like Rubavu, with a population and infrastructure that are more than capable to support international sport events of this magnitude. In terms of capacity and national development with regard to the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda. We look forward to welcoming all athletes and fans to participate in the race and explore Rwanda’s tourist attractions.”
Zephanie Niyonkuru, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports has said: “Events like IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda bring exposure to local athletes because it is an international event, a platform that allows participants to showcase their talents. Based on the preparations and performances of the 20 Rwandan athletes in past competitions, we also hope to qualify for the 2024 World Championship.”
The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda offers 30 Age Group Qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on 14 & 15 December 2024 in Taupō, New Zealand and is the perfect destination triathlon for the endurance sports fanatic looking for a remarkable adventure.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda 2023 is organized by Global Events Africa and Visit Rwanda and sponsored by Cheetah Energy Drink (A product of Bralirwa), Inyange Water, Purifayaa, Winnaz A product of Hollanda Food Farms) and supported by Ministry of Sports, the District of Rubavu, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, Rwanda Triathlon Federation.
{{About IRONMAN}}
IRONMAN® Triathlon Series is the world’s premier full-distance and half- distance triathlon series consisting of over 150 qualifying races in 50+ countries, regions and territories across the world. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings
{{About Global Events Africa}}
Global Events Africa (GEA) is an Experiential and Destination Marketing Agency with headquarters in Rwanda, which holds the license of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda.
GEA is at the fore-front of women led enterprises championing inclusivity of youth and women in sports through investing in and promoting in sporting events like the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda that are not only positioning Rwanda as a unique destination for sporting events but also bridging the technical skills gaps of the sporting industry in Rwanda.
The BAL has added a number price points to make it easy for fans to select their seats and locations based on where they want to enjoy the Finals: Upper Bowl seats for as low as Rwf 1,250, Lower Bowl seats for as low as Rwf 12,750 and Courtsides seats for as low as Rwf 41,250 in the third row.
For companies or groups looking to organize a group outing to one or all of the games during the finals, they can email baltickets@thebal.com for more information.
“We are excited to welcome our passionate BAL fans to Kigali for our third consecutive finals,” said BAL Vice President, Head of Strategy and Operations John Manyo-Plange. “We encourage our fans to purchase tickets and enjoy the excitement of this world-class basketball and entertainment product, as we rollout our most competitive and impactful season yet.”
The 12 BAL teams have once again been divided into two conferences – the Sahara Conference and the Nile Conference.
Each conference plays a 15-game group phase during which each team plays the five other teams in its conference once.
The top four teams from the Nile Conference group phase will join Abidjan Basket Club (ABC Fighters; Côte d’Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Rwanda Energy Group (REG; Rwanda) and Stade Malien (Mali) in the BAL Playoffs, which will feature a single-elimination tournament and Finals at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda in May.
The competition held under the theme Fostering Police cooperation to fight transnational organized crimes through sports” brought together eight out of 14 EAPCCO member countries.
During the week-long interforce competitions, Rwanda won gold in football, volleyball, handball and basketball.
Other categories won by Rwanda include, beach volleyball, taekwondo, boxing, karate and shooting.
Kenya, which was the best in athletics, came second in the overall standing to win silver while Uganda, which emerged the best in netball, won bronze.
The closing ceremony of the annual multi-sports event held at BK Arena was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana.
Present was also the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, the Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Albert Murasira, the Commissioner General of Ethiopian Federal Police, who doubles as EAPCCO chairman, Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, the IGP of Tanzania, Camillus Wambura, head of missions, Chief Defense Staff (CDS) Jean Bosco Kazura, and representatives of other EAPCCO Police chiefs, among others.
The colourful event opened with an entertaining handball finals between Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda won 41-27 to take gold for the fourth successive time, having won it in the first edition in Uganda in 2017, and defended it during the second and third editions held in Tanzania and Kenya in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Minister Gasana said that the games are a great catalyst of connections among participating law enforcement agencies.
The interactions between players, he said, should allow them to remain in touch and exchange information and best practices.
“It is only through stronger police cooperation that we can ensure that the Eastern Africa region remains safer and more secure; a state of affairs that is fundamental for steady development,” Minister Gasana said.
To sports teams, he added, it was about fostering Police cooperation through sports, which makes everyone a winner.
IGP Namuhoranye said that the games showcased the spirit of Police officers; determination, challenging limits and striving for better.
“The EAPCCO Games have become an important pillar of our regional cooperation. They have helped in deepening and widening collaboration among member countries,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Throughout the competitions, he added, participants have been able to play, interact, network and create bonds for future collaboration and partnership among Police in the EAPCCO region which is what the games intend to achieve.
The EAPCCO chairman, CG Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, also said that the aspect of sports was introduced to create strong cooperation against transnational organized crimes, which is a global issue.
“We come together to share best practices among member states. Therefore, winning or losing is not important, but realizing that sports can be a wonderful platform where we build coalition as a region in fighting cross jurisdictional crimes is a highly cherished trophy,” CG Demelash said.
Muhadjir Hakizimana opened the score for the RNP inside the first ten minutes of the opening football match played at Kigali Pele Stadium but PNB cancelled the lead in the 27th minute through Titi Hakizimana.
Striker Didier Mugisha and Bosco Kayitaba scored a goal each in the second period to seal the well deserved victory for the hosts.
Kayitaba, who came in for Mugisha put his name on the score sheet with his first touch when he utilized the corner kick to nod in the third goal.
The RNP football team coach, Vincent Mashami, said: “This was an entertaining match playing a good side from Burundi. It is the first time that Rwanda has hosted the EAPCCO Games and this was the opening game of the tournament, so this win was important for us and for the host country.”
In the volleyball game played at BK Arena, the RNP team also came out victorious winning three straight sets; 25-17 in the first period, 25-20 in the second period and 25-22 in the third period.
The drone light show was held at Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) during the night of Friday 17th March 2023 between 21:19 and 21:26 p.m.
Throughout the seven minutes, drones featuring light fixtures were flown into the sky and programmed to perform stunts and create patterns making up words welcoming veterans in Rwanda.
These words include “VCWC”, standing for Veteran Clubs World Championship; “Home of Legends”; “FERWAFA”; “Visit Rwanda”; “D-420” indicating remaining days for the tournament to take place and “MAY 2024” indicating the month in which the event will be held.
IGIHE has learnt that 120 drones were used during the event to form different patterns.
The eight captains welcomed with a drone show were announced on Friday 17th March 2023 during a ceremony held at Kepler College.
They will lead teams comprised of 150 players expected to participate in the VCWC 2024.
These include French national, Robert Pires, Cameroonian, Patrick M’Boma, Rwandan Jimmy Gatete, Brazilian Maicon Douglas, Egyptian Wael Kamel Gomaa El Hawty, Italian Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Spanish Gaizka Mendieta and Canadian, Charmaine Elizabeth Hooper.
Each captain will select players making up his team based on geographical setting.
The drone display coincided with the dinner hosted at Kigali Convention Centre to welcome football veterans from across the world.
