That this is the biggest international sports showpiece in the country’s history already sounds good enough. But who knows, our national team may want to outdo themselves and live up to the stinging reputation of their name.
That this is the biggest international sports showpiece in the country’s history already sounds good enough.
But who knows, our national team may want to outdo themselves and live up to the stinging reputation of their name.
Our national squad, the Amavubi (wasps) takes on Ivory Coast’s Elephants in one of two duels on opening day, Saturday, January 16, at Amahoro National Stadium. We can only hope that this turns out like the biblical battle between David and Goliath – and that ‘little Rwanda’ turns out as Goliath.
A lot of the country’s fortunes (and fans’ morale) will definitely depend on whether the wasps can muster the courage to pull this opening fete off.
Fifteen other African countries are here for CHAN 2016, besides host Rwanda:
Morocco, Tunisia, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
When such a diversity of humanity converges upon a single destination for such a lively and adrenaline-raising activity as soccer, you can surely expect some things to follow:
Certainly there will be lots of Heineken beer consumed, and aggressively so. There will also be lots of "selfies” taken by selfie stick-wielding young corporate soccer lovers both from Rwanda and from competing countries.
And I have this feeling that fans from West Africa will carry the biggest number of selfie sticks.
Whether it’s aesthetically right or wrong for men to take selfies, let alone go the extra mile to openly flaunt selfie sticks, is a debate for another day.
Also don’tbe surprised if a Nigerian or Ghanaian film crew shows up with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or simply"drone” to take aerial images of the action.
Speaking of Nigeria, I love the country mostly for its vintage soccer era –the 1990s period "Super Eagles” squad that boasted such colourful names like goalkeeper Peter Rufai,RashidiYekini, Emmanuel Amokachi, Augustin Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh,Taribo West and Mutiu Adepoju? Those were the days, and the Nigerian delegation should explain to us where they are and what they are up to.
The 16 competing nations have been divided into four groups: Group A is composed of Gabon, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Rwanda; Group B has Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia; while Group C contains Guinea, Niger, Nigeria and Tunisia. Group D is made up of Mali, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Expect a lot of Ugandans and Congolese in the spectator stands, because obviously they will come in droves:
First, they are the only two competing countries that share a geographical border with Rwanda, the host country.
But Ugandans have other reasons as well for looking forward to a good football showdown between their country and Rwanda and, being a Ugandan myself, I will attempt to speak for them.
Apparently there are Rwandan names that mean one thing in Kinyarwanda, but something totally different in Luganda, the language most widely spoken in Uganda. And the mere presence of a Rwandan player with such a name on a squad that is facing the Ugandan team is enough reason for a Ugandan non-football fanatic to follow the entire 90 minutes radio commentary for such a soccer match. Their real reward comes every time the commentator mentions such a name.
Ugandans who have ever been to Kigali and somehow ended up in the scruffy but warm urban ghetto delights of Nyamirambo will also do everything they can to return to Kigali and eventually Nyamirambo whenever the first opportunity presents itself.
Yet some Rwandan friends I’ve talked to have their own view about Ugandans when they come out to such large public events like football matches and music concerts: my Rwandan friends are convinced that while other people go to such events purely to have fun, some Ugandans go there to "work”.
You want to know what the "work” here stands for? Ask a Rwandan.
In Group B are Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia.
While it’s not easy to know where the rest of the competing teams will be heading for their meals and refreshments, the case of Ethiopia is quite different and easy to predict. Ethiopians are well known for, among other things, their strict adherence to their own traditional Ethiopian cuisine – generally vegetarian-leaning, heavily spiced and of course with lots of injera –the Ethiopian signature national dish that tasted like a fermented chapatti and looked like a wet hand towel the first time I had a go at it at the Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant in Kimihurura.
This is the premier Ethiopian eatery in town –though not the only one: the other is the One Love Ethiopian Restaurant at the Japan Mulindi One Love Project in Kimihurura. But Lalibela is where you will be sure to bump into a member of the Ethiopian contingent.
Let’s not shy away from another dominant part of football; well, African football at least:
Which team is most likely to smuggle into the stadiums and hide magic charms and fetishes behind the opponent’s net? I would have named names and pointed accusatory fingers because of course I know which countries among the competing teams smuggle in old African bush doctors or juju men to secure them a win.
I have threatened to name names but I will only stop at that; threats: As a host country, there are some things you just can’t say openly about your guest!
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CHAN 2016: What are you looking forward to?
Deo Mulema, businessman
First of all, this is great news for the ‘land of a thousand hills’, especially in regards to business. Hosting these teams and their devoted fans will indeed boost business. I’m looking forward to seeing great hospitality from Rwandans and also several business sectors reaping big from this tournament.
Fred Furah, entrepreneur
This is a great opportunity for the people of Rwanda, Kigali in particular, and mostly soccer fans. This is largely because the majority of football fans in Rwanda initially didn’t get a chance to attend the CHAN tournament when it was hosted by other countries. However, Rwanda being the host, it will give them the opportunity to hit the stadium and watch these games; nothing beats that feeling. I’m looking forward to seeing Rwandans making most of their soccer passion.
Vincent Kazubwenge, model
Looking at the CHAN tournament in Rwanda in terms of entertainment, there is no doubt that there will be a great boost in the sector in Kigali. With newly established night clubs and hotels, and fancy hangout spots in Kigali. It’s going to be a very vibrant night life throughout the tournament.
Salim Niyigena, student
I’m looking forward to a lively tournament. Being Rwanda’s first time to host such a prestigious game, I believe it’s going to be a blast and a historic football season in Rwanda. I can’t wait to see enthusiastic soccer fans fill the stadiums and make most out of their passion; also, businesses will reap big.
Compiled by Dennis Agaba