The Rwanda Premier League has unveiled Bank of Kigali as the new official sponsors of the Premier League which is now rebranded BK Pro League.

During the unveiling at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, it was announced that Bank of Kigali will sink 3.25 billion Rwanda Francs (US$2.2 million) in the Rwanda Premier League covering five years.

The partnership with the contract which runs from the current 2025/2026 season until the end of the 2030/2031 season is aimed at enhancing the financial stability of local clubs and transform the professionalization of the sport.

Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of Bank of Kigali made it clear that they are very happy to invest in the future of Rwandan Football by associating with the Rwanda Premier League.

“We are not just putting our name on a League. We are investing in the future of the Rwandan football ecosystem, and through it, in the future of Rwanda,” added Karusisi.

She made it clear that as a bank for Rwandans, they are committed to supporting Rwandans in every journey, including sport. “By extending this commitment to football, we aim to promote financial empowerment and create opportunities for players, clubs, and communities alike,” said Karusisi.

The Chairman of Rwanda Premier League, Yussufu Mudaheranwa said: “This partnership marks an important milestone for the Rwanda Premier League. We have been building towards a stronger, more competitive league, and this collaboration with Bank of Kigali allows us to accelerate that progress, supporting our clubs, strengthening the league’s foundations, and creating a better environment for players and fans alike,” he added.

“Strategic partnerships such as this are key to advancing football development in Rwanda. We welcome Bank of Kigali’s commitment and believe this collaboration will contribute positively to the growth of the game at all levels,” said Fabrice Shema Ngoga, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).

Rwanda Premier League attracts 18 clubs and army side APR FC have lifted more titles than any other team.

The Muungano Cup 2026 enters the semi-final stage in Zanzibar on Saturday.

Young Africans SC, the 2025 Cup winners kick started their title defence with a 4-0 win against Mwembe Makumbi City, while Azam FC whom they face in the semi-final stage on Saturday defeated KVZ FC 2-0.

On Thursday night Zanzibar Premier League side saw off 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup winners Singida Black Stars FC, while Simba FC ejected home side Mafunzo FC.

Omariy Samatta and Mussa Mbappe netted the goals for Mlandege FC, while Daudi Mishamo scored for the Tanzania Premier League side Singida Black Stars FC.

Selemani Mwalimu also netted the only goal to see Simba SC advance to the semi-final stage where they face Mlandege FC on Sunday.

The tournament which will brings together teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar is played to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Union.

The Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samson Adamu has said they are confident the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 will be successful.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host Africa’s biggest Football showpiece June 19 to July 18, 2027.

Speaking at the climax of a 2-Day AFCON 2027 workshop at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, Adamu expressed strong confidence in the successful delivery of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

“We are very confident of what we can deliver and it’s going to be a very successful competition,” says Adamu.

He described the AFCON 2027 edition as being unique, given its joint hosting arrangement, which presents an opportunity to showcase the East African region on a global stage.

“It’s three countries that are hosting this competition. It presents a very unique opportunity for us to be able to show AFCON in a completely different light and three really amazing countries, unique in their own sense,” he said.

He also disclosed that they had a closed-door meeting where they aligned on all the priorities, all the execution, and the work that needs to be done.

Adamu thanked Uganda for hosting the workshop which has seen both CAF departments and Local Organising Committees engage in detailed sessions to address operational requirements and ensure readiness across all fronts.

The 2-day workshop was attended key stakeholders from the three host nations of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, including Ministers of Sports, Local Organising Committee leaders and football federation presidents, to assess and align on preparations for the continental showpiece.

Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo, the FUFA President said that it is a great moment that AFCON will be coming to East Africa and a lot of work is being done so that it is successful. “Football is not going to be the same in this region after this tournament,” added Magogo.

Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan has shattered barriers, becoming the country’s first referee ever selected for the FIFA World Cup.

Artan’s inclusion on FIFA’s official list of match officials for the tournament set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marks a landmark achievement for Somali football and a significant moment for the country’s presence on the global sporting stage.

He is among the Seven listed African Referees who will officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup that include Tom Abongile- South Africa, Mustapha Ghorbal – Algeria, Amin Mohamed, Pierre Atcho, Jalal Jayed – Morocco and Dahane Beida.

From Mogadishu’s war‑scarred streets to CAF’s Best Referee of the Year in 2025, Artan’s rise has been a story of resilience and excellence. His simple “Alhamdulillah” after the announcement captured the pride of a nation.

Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Football Federation hailed his achievement as a source of national pride and inspiration while Somali Football Federation president Ali Abdi Mohamed (Ali Shiino) declared: “Omar’s selection is a great honor for Somalia and a powerful motivation for our youth.”For Somali communities worldwide, especially in the U.S., his presence at the World Cup is more than sport — it’s representation, resilience, and hope.

Omar Abdulqadir Artan grew up chasing football dreams on dusty pitches where resources were scarce and opportunities even scarcer. What began as a passion for the game slowly transformed into a calling — not as a player, but as the one entrusted to uphold its integrity.

He became the first Somali to officiate a Confederation of African Football (CAF) continental final, took charge of matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, and was crowned CAF’s Best Male Referee of the Year. His achievements resonated far beyond the pitch, inspiring young Somalis to believe that international recognition was possible.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the 23rd edition of the tournament but the first to feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups (A-L).