The national women’s football championship for the 2016 season will start on March 12, according to the Rwanda football governing body, FERWAFA.

AS Kigali are the reigning champions after taking the title for a record seventh consecutive time last season.

According Felecite Rwemalika, the head of women’s football in FERWAFA, the league was initially supposed to start in January but it had to be postponed because of the 4th African Nations Championship (CHAN) staged in Rwanda from January 16 to February 7.

Meanwhile, AS Kigali coach Grace Nyinawumuntu, who also doubles as the She-Amavubi trainer, said her side is ready to defend their title.

"We are ready, we have had more than enough time to prepare. All is in place to start the new season and put up a good fight for title defense,” Nyinawumuntu told this paper on Wednesday.

The former Rwanda international central defender added, "As it has been the club policy over the years, we have promoted more young talents to first team from the youth team. I except a good combination of rookies and experienced players in the upcoming season.”

According to sources, Youth Vision Amahoro (YOUVIA) have dropped out of the league, and there will be new entrants in the forthcoming league but are yet to be approved by FERWAFA.

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