Rwanda will do everything to make the 2016 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) a success, and players and fans at the tournament can expect Rwandans to make their stay enjoyable, President Paul Kagame has assured.

The Head of State delivered the message in Kigali, yesterday, at the official drawing ceremony for CHAN, during which qualified teams were drawn into four groups.

"Rwanda is honoured to host the next African Nations Championship,” Kagame said.

Sixteen teams, including hosts Rwanda, will take part in the three-week tournament that will run next year from January 16 to February 7.

Rwanda was drawn in Group A against Morocco, Gabon and Ivory Coast.

The other teams are Tunisia, Nigeria, Niger, Guinea, DR Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Uganda and Zambia.

The tournament will be played at four stadiums: Rubavu Stadium in Western Province’s Rubavu District near the shores of Lake Kivu, Huye Stadium in Southern Province, and in Kigali at Amahoro Stadium and Stade de Kigali (Nyamirambo).

Unifying power of football

At yesterday’s CHAN draws ceremony, President Kagame, an avowed soccer fan, said "no sport brings people in every corner of the world together like football does.”

He said the sport is a teacher of sacrifice, humility, honesty, and team work.

Kagame encouraged Rwandans to attend the tournament and asked players to show the fans the kind of game they expect and deserve.

"Rwanda will do everything possible within our means to try and meet everybody’s expectations,” he said.

According to the Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Almamy Kabele, there is no question that CHAN 2016 will be a success in Rwanda.

"We are totally convinced that Rwanda will make this competition a success; a true African football fete,” he said at the draws ceremony.

Administered by CAF, CHAN is a championship designed for footballers playing in African domestic leagues.

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