The 2015/16 second division football league which is scheduled to kick-off on November 7, will have a total of 24 teams, Rwandan football governing body, FERWAFA has confirmed. 

The second tier league which sees the two finalists get promoted to topflight division, will be contested by 24 teams sub-grouped in two pools with top four from each group making it to playoffs quarter-finals.

Last July, Bugesera defeated Rwamagana 2-0 in the final but both sides had already earned tickets to the Azam Rwanda Premier League.

However, Muhanga (relegated three years ago) and Etincelles (relegated at the end of last season) were also handed wild cards to complete a 16-team format –before this season, the league had 14 teams.

According to the FERWAFA secretary general, Jean Olivier Mulindahabi, they expect a more competitive and highly entertaining league.

Effective last season, FERWAFA set an age limit where all second division league teams should not exceed three players aged above 20 years.

La Jeunesse and Sorwathe, who led their respective pools for most of last season before falling at the semi-finals as well as newcomers such as Nyagatare FC, are among the teams to watch this season.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw