The regional tournament, scheduled for December 6–9, 2025, will bring together ten countries from the East and Central African region as they vie for places in next year’s continental finals for school-based teams.
Rwanda is among the nations fielding both boys’ and girls’ squads. The teams left Kigali early on Thursday, December 4, 2025, ahead of the CAF African Schools Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
Before departure, Louise Ndengeyingoma, Chairperson of the Governance and Legal Commission at FERWAFA, encouraged the young players to aim high and uphold discipline.
“You carry the national flag on your chest,” she said. “Approach your matches with focus, display discipline, and remember to balance your education with your talent. This journey is not just about winning a single game; it is about raising Rwanda’s profile.”
The boys’ tournament will feature Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia.
The girls’ competition will include Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
The qualifiers will also feature young referees participating under CAF’s talent development programme and will include D-level coaching clinics.
Phocas worked with five groups of 11 participants each, rotating every two hours and 12 minutes. The event aimed to surpass the previous African record held by South Africa’s Team Durban Fit Squad, which completed eight hours of aerobics in 2022.
Phocas told IGIHE that he focused on the “aerobics workout step,” the style his team regularly practices.
“I wanted to attempt an African record under our Onzestar name. The world record is much longer, up to 39 hours, with varied activities. I chose to focus on what we know best,” he said.
At the conclusion of the 11-hour session, participants celebrated their achievement. Though visibly fatigued, Phocas praised his team, saying, “This was a major event for Africa and for Rwanda. I told my team I was representing our country. Sometimes, dedication to your nation is necessary, even when it is challenging.”
The event was livestreamed on YouTube to allow independent verification. Guinness World Records rules allow five minutes of rest after every hour. Phocas structured the event in two-hour blocks with 10-minute breaks, which also served to thank participants. The achievement is currently awaiting official confirmation from record authorities.
Phocas highlighted the extensive preparation required: “We trained for five months. You cannot attempt this in a single day without preparation. Normally, we train one and a half hours daily, gradually increasing weekly to ten hours. This ensured we were ready for the challenge.”
During the marathon, participants relied on water, juice, and fruit to sustain energy. Participants described the preparation as essential for completing the event.
William Uwiringiyimana said, “It was a well-organised event showcasing the importance of sports. It required effort, but our commitment paid off.”
Zache Niyonkuru added, “We prepared for days, even practising uphill exercises. During the first five hours, it is easy to get exhausted, but determination kept us going to finish the challenge.”
Phocas Kagorora has been a fitness trainer since 2017 and founded Onzestar to promote sports, tourism, and outdoor activities such as hiking.
The inaugural Africa Cycling Excellence Awards (ACEA) ceremony honoured Africa’s cyclists of the year on Saturday evening in Kigali, in the presence of Rwanda’s Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, CAC President Yao Allah-Kouamé and Freddy Kamuzinzi, promoter of ACEA.
In the men’s category, Girmay topped the rankings ahead of fellow Eritreans Henok Mulubrhan and Milkias Maekele, who had also been shortlisted in the top three.
The Eritrean has been voted Africa’s best cyclist for the fifth time, following his successes in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. The former Tour de France green jersey winner has once again had a magnificent season, with podium finishes in the biggest races proving his consistency at the highest level worldwide.
On the women’s side, Kim Le Court edged out Ethiopia’s Kahsay Tsige Kiros and Selam Amha Gerefiel.
The Mauritian rider demonstrated her talent this season by winning a stage of the Tour de France and becoming the first African woman to wear the yellow jersey (for four days). She also won the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the spring, the first time an African rider has won a World Tour event.
The finalists had been narrowed down from a larger pool of 18 cyclists, which included two Rwandans: Ingabire Diane and Nirere Xaveline.
For this first award in the amateur category reserved for riders who do not belong to a professional UCI team, Burkina Faso champion Paul Daumont won over the jury members with his dedication and experience, which have made him one of the most successful cyclists on the continent for several years.
He took first place ahead of South African Blaine Kieck, winner of several races in France, and Malian Tiemoko Diamouténé, who won stages in three major national tours, in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
Eritrea’s national team was crowned Team of the Year after outperforming Rwanda and Mauritius.
{{Regional and national winners also recognised
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The awards also honoured outstanding cyclists within the East African Community (EAC). In this category, Nsengiyumva Odette from Burundi won the women’s award, while Charles Kagimu of Uganda claimed the men’s title.
In Rwanda, Masengesho Vainqueur of Benediction Club was named the best male cyclist of the year, with Nirere Xaveline, who races for Team Amani of Kenya, winning the women’s award.
Rwanda has also been selected to host the ACEA awards again in 2026 before the event rotates to other countries on the continent.
In a statement released on Wednesday, RDB said the move reflects the Visit Rwanda brand’s broader strategy to diversify its global sports partnerships and expand into new markets that support the next phase of its tourism and investment ambitions.
The partnership, launched in 2018, has been widely credited with elevating Rwanda’s global profile, particularly in tourism and conservation. According to RDB, the collaboration surpassed its original goals by inspiring millions of Arsenal supporters worldwide to discover Rwanda and by strengthening the country’s positioning as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
Over the past eight seasons, the Visit Rwanda brand featured prominently on Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams, supported by a series of joint campaigns that highlighted Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. RDB noted that during this period, visitor arrivals climbed to 1.3 million in 2024, with tourism revenues reaching $650 million, a 47% increase since the partnership began.
The relationship also delivered standout promotional moments, including Rwanda Heritage Day at the Emirates Stadium and several visits by Arsenal legends and players such as Alex Scott, Bacary Sagna, Mathieu Flamini, Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, and Laia Codina.
The visits showcased attractions ranging from mountain gorilla trekking and Big Five safaris in Akagera National Park to canopy walks in Nyungwe and leisure experiences along Lake Kivu. Many of the club’s representatives also took part in Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s flagship annual gorilla naming ceremony.
Beyond tourism promotion, the partnership supported Rwanda’s ambition to establish itself as a leading African sporting hub by helping deliver grassroots football initiatives that have benefited young players and coaches across the country.
RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika said the partnership “broke new ground for tourism boards around the world,” adding that while Rwanda is now shifting its focus to new global markets, the country remains thankful for Arsenal’s support over the past eight years.
“We are proud of what this partnership has achieved over many years of collaboration. It broke new ground for tourism boards around the world, driving awareness and visitation for Rwandan tourism at a pace traditional campaigns could never match,” the RDB CEO stated.
He added that Rwanda will continue to work with the wider Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group through its more recent partnerships with the LA Rams and SoFi Stadium.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the wider Kroenke Sports C Entertainment Group through our recent partnerships with the LA Rams and So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, and we remain a fully committed and engaged partner of Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams for the remainder of the season. We wish them all the very best in their continuing quest for even more sporting success in the months ahead,” he added.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick praised the collaboration, describing it as a “significant journey” that helped raise awareness of Rwanda’s conservation efforts while strengthening the club’s connections across Africa and driving forward its ambitions.
“The commitment and support of Visit Rwanda throughout our partnership has played an important role in driving forward our ambitions, helping us invest in our long-term vision to win major trophies, in a financially sustainable way. We thank the Rwanda Development Board for their partnership and what we’ve delivered together,” Garlick stated.
Both sides confirmed they remain committed partners through the remainder of the season.
Visit Rwanda, the official tourism brand of the Rwanda Development Board, has a growing global sports portfolio, including partnerships with Paris Saint‑Germain, Atlético de Madrid, and FC Bayern Munich, before more recently signing deals with U.S. teams the [ LA Clippers and Los Angeles Rams->https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/visit-rwanda-expands-global-sports-reach-with-clippers-and-rams-deal].
The list, released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, highlights clubs penalised primarily for unlawfully terminating contracts or failing to fulfil financial obligations to former staff or players.
Rayon Sports appeared on the list after facing two disciplinary cases in October 2025. One of the cases was filed by Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo, known as Robertinho, who accused the club of wrongful dismissal and unpaid dues. FIFA ordered Rayon Sports to pay $22,500 (over Frw 30 million), but after failing to settle the amount, the club was handed a three-transfer-window registration ban, preventing it from registering new players during that period.
The club was also sanctioned in a separate case filed by Adulai Jalo, a striker from Guinea-Bissau.
Other African clubs facing similar sanctions include Nyasa Bullets, KenGold SC, Township Rollers, AS Arta Solar7, Coton Sport de Garoua, TS Galaxy, Pretoria Callies, Welkite Kenema FC, SCCM, Ismaily SC, Zamalek, Enyimba FC, and Club Sportif Sfaxien.
The tournament brings together top amateurs from Rwanda and the region in a contest that blends competitive sport with NCBA’s broader vision of community impact and sustainable growth.
“Coming back for a second year is a statement of intent,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our goal is to keep building on this platform that connects East Africans through sport, opportunity, and shared purpose. Golf has proven to be one of the most effective ways to do that.”
Building on the success of last year’s debut, this year’s edition carries added significance as Rwanda hosts the final regional leg of the NCBA Golf Series before the Grand Finale on November 28th at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
The finale will feature top golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda competing for the 2025 regional title. The first edition in Rwanda drew over 200 players, culminating in a thrilling finale where the top three Rwandan golfers, Paul Ntaganda, Alphonsine Murekatete, and Bethlehem Umuzabibu, represented the country at Muthaiga Golf Club. Their performance placed Rwanda firmly on the regional map and ignited fresh enthusiasm for the sport in the local golfing community.
The event also welcomes a new partner, the brand new Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, which will co-sponsor the tournament and host the official prize-giving ceremony, marking the hotel’s first official event.
“It’s a privilege to open our doors with an event that celebrates excellence, community, and regional unity,” said Media Rutayisire, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. “Hosting such a prestigious event perfectly reflects our values of hospitality and shared success.”
Since its inception, the NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of East Africa’s premier amateur tournaments, attracting over 5,000 golfers across more than 20 tournaments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The Series has become a regional stage for golfers of all levels, from emerging juniors to seasoned club champions, and a platform for building friendships, business connections, and cross-border collaboration through sport.
“Our commitment is to consistency, to showing up for the sport, our partners, and the communities where we operate,” added Toroitich. “The NCBA Golf Series is now part of a regional story that celebrates progress, partnership, and purpose.”
As Kigali tees off this weekend, all eyes turn to Nairobi, where the best from across the region will meet at Muthaiga to close another thrilling chapter of golf, unity, and achievement in East Africa.
The event, renowned for attracting top emerging professional golfers from across the UK, provided Nsanzuwera an opportunity to test his skills on one of Scotland’s most historic and challenging courses.
According to the official Tartan Pro Tour leaderboard, he appeared on the entry list, completed all rounds, and made the cut to play in the final round, demonstrating both skill and consistency against a highly competitive field. Preliminary results indicate he finished approximately three under par (-3).
In addition to his tournament play, Nsanzuwera had the unique opportunity to train and practice at the Golf Academy at St Andrews Driving Bays, one of the world’s premier golf training facilities.
This experience allowed him to refine his technique, interact with international professionals, and immerse himself in the rich golfing culture of Scotland, often celebrated as the “Home of Golf.”
“Celestin’s dedication and recent successes continue to bring pride not only to Kigali Golf Resort & Villas but also to the entire Rwandan golf community,” said a spokesperson from the Communications Office. “His participation at Duddingston and training at St Andrews exemplify the growing international presence of Rwandan golfers.”
Celestin Nsanzuwera’s appearance at the Duddingston Classic follows a remarkable 2025 season, including victories at the Rwanda Golf Open, the Sunshine Development Tour (East Africa Swing), and the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open, reinforcing his position as Rwanda’s most prominent professional golfer.
Based at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, Celestin Nsanzuwera is a professional golfer recognized for his precision, composure under pressure, and dedication to representing Rwanda on international golf circuits.
The latest partnership, which also includes the NBA’s LA Clippers, marks the first time an African tourism brand has partnered with an NFL franchise, underlining Rwanda’s ambition to use sport as a global bridge to attract tourism, investment and visibility.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Visit Rwanda will serve as an official international tourism sponsor of the Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, the vast entertainment complex that has transformed Inglewood into one of America’s premier sports and leisure destinations.
The partnership provides Rwanda with significant visibility inside SoFi Stadium, including digital advertising on the venue’s massive Infinity Screen and throughout its LED and IPTV displays.
The Visit Rwanda brand will also feature in two of the stadium’s most exclusive spaces, the West Owners Club on Level Two and the North Canyon Basin on Level Three, where Rwanda’s natural beauty and tourism highlights will be showcased through innovative design features.
{{A club with a storied journey
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For those less familiar with the Rams, they are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League, with a history stretching back nearly nine decades. The team was founded in 1936 as the Cleveland Rams before relocating to Los Angeles in 1946, becoming the first professional football team to establish itself on the American West Coast.
In 1995, the Rams moved again, this time to St. Louis, where they enjoyed a golden era, capturing their first Super Bowl in 1999 with an explosive, high-scoring offence that earned the nickname “The Greatest Show on Turf.” In 2016, the franchise returned to Los Angeles, reaffirming its deep roots in the city.
The Rams have won championships in three different cities – Cleveland, Los Angeles and St. Louis – a unique distinction in the NFL. They are two-time Super Bowl champions, most recently lifting the trophy in 2022 after a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Their earlier triumph came in 2000, when they defeated the Tennessee Titans to cap off a memorable season. Beyond those modern victories, the Rams also claimed two NFL titles in the pre-Super Bowl era, in 1945 and 1951.
{{Modern stars and leadership
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The modern Rams are led by head coach Sean McVay, one of the youngest and most innovative tacticians in the league. McVay masterminded the team’s most recent Super Bowl win, cementing his reputation as one of football’s brightest minds.
On the field, the Rams boast a blend of established veterans and rising stars. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the experienced leader of the offence, guided the team to its 2021 title. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the hero of their 2021 title run who captured the ‘triple crown’ and Super Bowl MVP, remains an iconic figure in franchise history, though he left the team in the 2025 offseason to join NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.
Younger talents such as Puka Nacua, who shattered rookie receiving records, and running back Kyren Williams, who has brought fresh dynamism to the attack, represent the future of the franchise.
{{SoFi stadium
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Central to the Rams’ modern identity is SoFi Stadium, their state-of-the-art home, which opened in 2020. Costing nearly five billion US dollars to build, the venue is widely regarded as the most advanced stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 70,000 and the ability to expand to 100,000 for major events.
Beyond football, it has already hosted the Super Bowl, will stage matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and is scheduled to play a central role in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The surrounding Hollywood Park development, spearheaded by Rams owner Stan Kroenke, includes retail, office space, residences and leisure facilities, making it a global destination in its own right.
{{More than a game
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Off the field, the Rams have carved a strong identity in their community. Based in Inglewood, the team has invested heavily in programmes that focus on education, health, equality and youth development.
Initiatives such as “Rams pLAymakers,” which honours community leaders driving social change, and “RISE with the Rams,” which promotes racial equality among young athletes, reflect the organisation’s commitment to using sport as a force for good.
{{Why this partnership matters
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The partnership with Visit Rwanda places the country at the centre of this global spotlight. With millions of viewers tuning in to Rams games across the United States and beyond, Rwanda gains a powerful platform to showcase its gorilla trekking adventures, lush national parks, cultural heritage and status as a rising tourism destination.
The collaboration echoes Rwanda’s other high-profile sponsorships with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid, but stands out as the first venture into American football – a sport with a massive domestic following and growing international appeal.
For Rwanda, the agreement is more than a marketing exercise. It is a statement of intent, an effort to connect with the U.S., already its largest source of tourism revenue, and to reach global audiences who associate the NFL with spectacle, scale and excellence.
For the Rams, it offers a new connection to Africa, a continent with a rapidly growing youth population that is increasingly engaged with global sport.
In combining the Rams’ reputation as a powerhouse of American football with Rwanda’s image as a premier African travel destination, this partnership represents a meeting of ambition and vision.
As the Rams continue their pursuit of further championships and Rwanda builds towards its tourism targets, both brands stand to gain from this unique and timely collaboration.
The deal marks the first time an African tourism board has secured a major NBA jersey sponsorship. The “Visit Rwanda” logo will appear on all Clippers game and practice jerseys, and the brand is also the official coffee sponsor of the team’s new Intuit Dome.
Beyond global visibility, the partnership is a strategic move for Rwanda, helping to promote tourism, showcase its culture and natural beauty to a worldwide audience, and strengthen the country’s presence in international sports.
Here’s what you need to know about the Clippers:
{{A rocky start to an NBA journey
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Founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, the franchise faced early struggles despite Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo leading the way. In 1978, the team moved to San Diego, becoming the Clippers, a nod to the city’s historic clipper ships.
By 1984, the franchise relocated to Los Angeles but spent decades in the shadow of the Lakers, making only occasional playoff appearances and struggling to establish a consistent winning culture.
{{The rise of “Lob City”
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The Clippers’ fortunes changed in the 2010s. The acquisition of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and superstar Chris Paul in 2011 launched the “Lob City” era, famous for highlight-reel dunks and fast-paced offence.
During this period, the team won its first Pacific Division titles in 2013 and 2014, becoming consistent playoff contenders, though Conference Finals success remained elusive.
{{A new era under Steve Ballmer
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In 2014, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer purchased the team, bringing financial muscle and a bold vision. The 2019 acquisitions of two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard and superstar Paul George positioned the Clippers as legitimate title contenders. Their milestone came in 2021 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The team has also posted 14 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak in the NBA, reflecting sustained success and resilience at the top of the league.
{{Recent achievements
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The Clippers have captured three Pacific Division titles in 2013, 2014, and 2024. Their most notable playoff achievement came in 2021, when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time.
Despite these successes, the franchise is still chasing its first NBA championship—a milestone that continues to fuel the team’s ambition and identity as resilient competitors in the league.
{{The Visit Rwanda partnership
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The newly signed multi-year partnership with Visit Rwanda provides both global visibility and community impact.
The “Visit Rwanda” logo will feature on all Clippers jerseys, reaching an estimated 1.4 billion NBA viewers worldwide.
Beyond branding, the partnership includes refurbishing basketball courts in Rwanda, hosting Rwandan youth coaches in Los Angeles for training sessions, and sending Clippers coaches to Rwanda for clinics and virtual coaching sessions.
Visit Rwanda is also the official coffee sponsor of the Intuit Dome, introducing premium Rwandan coffee to a global sports audience. The collaboration supports the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, which has held games at Rwanda’s BK Arena, providing young African athletes with development pathways and exposure to professional basketball standards.
This marks the first time an African tourism brand has secured sponsorships across both the NBA and NFL, further expanding Visit Rwanda’s global sports footprint.
The new partnerships add to Visit Rwanda’s growing portfolio of sports sponsorships, which already includes collaborations with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Atlético de Madrid, and an academy partnership with FC Bayern Munich.
“Sport connects people, uniting communities through shared values of excellence and aspiration. Through sponsorships with the LA Clippers and LA Rams, Rwanda and Los Angeles unite to promote the spirit of the game,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO.
“This engagement enables us to export Rwanda’s unrivalled natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity to the people of Los Angeles as well as NBA and NFL fans everywhere.”
Under the agreement, Visit Rwanda will become the exclusive jersey patch sponsor of the Clippers and the official coffee sponsor of Intuit Dome. The sponsorship will include Visit Rwanda branding on all game and practice jerseys, both at home and on the road.
The multi-year deal will also feature community initiatives in Los Angeles and Rwanda, such as court refurbishments and coaching clinics.
The NBA has long prioritised international growth, including the creation of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership with FIBA featuring 12 African club teams. Since its launch in 2021, the BAL has hosted games across the continent, including at Rwanda’s BK Arena, providing young athletes opportunities to develop their skills and experience the values of teamwork and community.
“The energy and passion for basketball across Africa, including in Rwanda, makes this sponsorship a natural fit,” said Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports and Entertainment. “It’s focused on growing the game and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.”
As part of the engagement, the Clippers will refurbish a basketball court in Rwanda. The team’s G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers, will host Rwandan youth coaches for annual training sessions and provide virtual coaching support to help elevate local talent.
Visit Rwanda will also become an official international tourism sponsor of the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium, and Hollywood Park, the largest urban mixed-use development currently under construction in the western United States. The sponsorship includes naming rights for two premium spaces within SoFi Stadium and digital advertising across the venue.
“This sponsorship not only builds on Visit Rwanda’s long-standing relationship with Arsenal but also gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in Africa,” said Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams.
With these agreements, Visit Rwanda continues to leverage sport as a platform to promote tourism, youth development, and Rwanda’s global brand, connecting fans in Los Angeles and around the world to the nation’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
