Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) is searching for over Rwf100m to organise this year’s Peace Cup that is scheduled to commence in June with the final to be played on July 4.
Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) is searching for over Rwf100m to organise this year’s Peace Cup that is scheduled to commence in June with the final to be played on July 4.
According to the FERWAFA head of Marketing and Communications, Jérôme Dufourg, this year’s budget is Rwf107m and will be used to cater for logistics as games will be played across the country, prize money for the finalists as well as referees.
"I have been speaking to several companies in Rwanda and there has been a positive response. We hope that they will come on board. The budget is Rwf107m but even if we get Rwf100m, it is okay,” explained Dufourg, who took up this job two months ago.
The Frenchman also confirmed that should FERWAFA attract this amount of money, Rwf14m will be set aside for the two finalists.
Last season’s edition, which was won by APR FC, did not have a sponsor but Dufourg is confident that this will change this time around.
TV rights
For the first time in the history of the competition, the games will be broadcast live on television, according to Dufourg.
He noted, "We are going to bring on board a TV company to broadcast the Peace Cup live. This will be based on the quality of work they do because it is not just about the money because we are looking at forming a long term partnership.”
"We have been talking to everyone including TV10, Supersport, Azam, Star Times and Rwanda TV and we shall soon make a decision on who we shall bring on board to telecast the Peace Cup as a test before they take over the league next season,” stated Dufourg.
He revealed that the selected TV company will broadcast the Peace Cup for free but when a deal is agreed prior to the league start in August, clubs will be major beneficiaries.
"A portion of the money from the TV broadcaster will go into grassroots development and improving infrastructure at club level. We shall task clubs to invest in coaching education as well,” he mentioned.
Sixteen teams from both the first and second division are expected to compete in the Peace Cup.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw