NEWS
Africa has Football talent, says Rwanda President Paul Kagame
The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has made it clear that there is a lot of football talent in the African continent.
“Africa has talent. There’s no doubt about it but our best players should not need to always move abroad to unleash their full potential,” said Kagame after receiving the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 in a function that took place at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kagame together with His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco where recognized by CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe in their effort and contribution towards developing the game on the continent.
Dr. Motsepe who was accompanied by the FIFA President Gianni Infantino conferred the Awards to Kagame and the representative of King Mohammed VI and Minister of Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa. The event was also attended by some Member Association Presidents and legends.
In his acceptance speak, the Rwanda President who has supported Football in the continent and has also financially supported the regional CECAFA Club Championship for over 10 years said he was happy to receive the Award with both hands.
He pointed out that throughout their struggles in Rwanda’s history, football has played a key role in uniting people. But he made it clear that a lot of effort is needed so that the best football talent in Africa does not go abroad. Kagame commended the work being done by CAF president Motsepe and FIFA head Infantino to develop the sport on the continent.
On behalf of the King of Morocco, Benmoussa thanked the CAF President for the Award and also announced that the Kingdom of Morocco has decided, together with Spain and Portugal to present a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Dr. Motsepe said it was a special day for African football where two individuals who have contributed greatly to the development of football as a sport, were recognized.
“This ceremony today is in acknowledgment of the significant manner in which they have contributed to the development of African football,” he said, pointing out that in order for African football to progress further, partnership is needed among the 54 African nations.
Rwanda will also host the 73rd FIFA Congress at the BK Arena in Kigali 16th, March 2023.
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has rescheduled the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship.
The inaugural Championship which was slated to take place June 6-11th will now take centre stage between July 7-12th in Mombasa, Kenya.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause to your preparations and plans. Our intention remains to deliver a high-quality competition, and this adjustment will allow us to meet all necessary requirements for a smooth and memorable event,” said CECAFA’s Executive Director, Auka Gecheo.
The teams that have already confirmed participation include; Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Burundi and guest sides Malawi and Seychelles.
APR Football Club have retained the Rwanda Premier League title.
The army side were crowned champions on Wednesday after defeating Musanze FC 3-1 in their last match played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Bosco Rubonneka netted a hat-trick for APR FC.
APR FC who also lifted the Peace Cup finished the season with 67 points from 30 matches played, while their arch-rivals Rayon Sport came second with 63 points.
APR FC will now represent Rwanda in the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup.
Last year APR FC were runners-up in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup after losing to guest side Red Arrows FC from Zambia in the final.
Meanhwhile, the Somali Premier League was also decided last week with Mogadishu City Club FC emerging champions with 57 points, while Heegan FC finished second with 51 points.
The other Premier Leagues in the CECAFA region that have already been concluded include; Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has announced that the national senior side, Taifa Stars will face South Africa in an international friendly match on June 6th, 2025.
Wilfred Kidao, the TFF General Secretray told Cecafaonline on Tuesday that the match will be played away in South Africa during the FIFA window for International friendly matches.
He also disclosed that Tanzania’s team for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) will also play two matches away to Morocco’s CHAN team on June 7th and 10th respectively.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars of Kenya will also face Chad in two international friendly matches to be played in Morocco June 7th and 10th respectively.
All the other teams in the CECAFA Zone Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi will also be engaged with International friendly matches.
Uganda has been drawn to face France, Chile and Canada in the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for November 3-27th, 2025 in Qatar.
In the draw conducted in Qatar on Sunday evening coach Brian Ssenyondo’s team will open their compaign against Canada on November 5th at the Al Rayyan.
The CECAFA flag bearers will return to the pitch on November 8th to take on Chile, and conclude the group matches against France three days later.
Uganda qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after stopping The Gambia in the play-off during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt last month.
This edition will be the opening of the annual cycle adopted by FIFA for the U-17 World Cup and the first to be played in the 48-team format instead of the previous biennial 24-team tournaments.
The other African teams that will battle at the competition include; South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Germany are the defending champions, having won their first title in 2023.
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