Airtel Rwanda has played a vital role in developing Rwandan Football. Saturday Sport talked to Airtel Rwanda Brand and Communications Manager, John Magara on their plans of continued talent identification in the country.

 Airtel recently signed a memorandum of understanding with FERWAFA, what does this mean for the sports industry in Rwanda?

The football industry in Rwanda is in for big talent identification, nurturing and development thanks to this continued partnership with Ferwafa.

Our agreement is to make sure we work together to further develop youth football in the country. Ferwafa comes in with the expertise and technical support while Airtel provides the platform to make this possible.

We shall in a few years see a huge improvement in the way youth football is played in this country and the continent as a whole because Airtel Rising Stars is present in all 17 Airtel operations in Africa.

Considering that this is the second time Rwanda is partaking in Airtel Rising Stars talent search, what have been the success stories from last year?

Last year’s season of ARS was a success not just for Airtel as sponsors but for the youngsters who participated. Over six youngsters were identified and now play for the Amavubi Under 17 national team. They are rapidly developing their skills as they play professional football. They were also part of the team from Rwanda that participated in the just concluded Arsenal Clinic held at Eto Kicukiro in April.

One of the boys, Djihadi Nzeyurwanda won an award for the best goal keeper during the Clinic.

How does Airtel’s partnership with Arsenal benefit this tournament?

Airtel and Arsenal Football Club signed a partnership agreement.  The deal provides Airtel with the opportunity to utilise the Club’s talent, merchandising, hospitality and content rights in five countries, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda.

Arsenal support the Airtel Rising Stars football programme in an annual, multi-country grassroots soccer initiative that offers young boys and girls the opportunity to play, compete and showcase their talent to in their respective countries.

The selected youngsters get an opportunity to get the best-in-class sports training during a residential clinic organised by Airtel.

The Gunners will provide UEFA-trained coaches to assist with training in each of the five markets and at an Arsenal Coaching Clinic for up to 50 footballers. So the talents identified from this tournament get the chance to feel and play the Arsenal way which not only develops their skills but confidence on the field as well.

What is in for the youngsters that participate in this tournament?

The youngsters are the biggest beneficiaries of this tournament.

Airtel Rising Stars gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent to renowned football scouts in the country.

We give them the platform to realise their potential in the game of football and as a company that is why we do this tournament. We want our Rwandan youngsters to realise and live their maximum football potential.

How does Airtel benefit from investing in the Airtel Rising Stars in this talent search in Rwanda?

As mentioned, the benefit is more for the participating teenagers than it is for Airtel. How we benefit is by seeing these young football stars grow in the game and participate not only on a national stage but a continental arena as well. It is from such stories that we can say we have benefited from this tournament.

What should we expect from this season of Airtel Rising Stars?

This season is bigger and better. We kicked off the tournaments early this month and the 80 teams consisting of 48 boys’ teams and 32 girls’ teams.

We are still currently in the kick off stages and we can already see talent. The national champions of this year’s ARS will play at a continental level in an inter-country tournament to be held in Gabon.