Sheikh Hamdan Habimana has been elected the president of Ijabo Ryawe Association, replacing Elvis Mironko, who resigned earlier this month.The former Mukura VS secretary general was elected unopposed following the withdrawal of his opponents; Ildephonse Nkotanyi, Aloys Ntahobitagwa and Dr. Philemon Rukema.Habimana was declared the president after he surpassed the 83 votes required to occupy the position—he amassed a total of 159 votes out of the 167 members, who casted their votes.In his remarks, Sheikh Habimana said, "I am delighted and honored by your trust in electing me as your president. I want to thank all and the former leaders for the good foundation they laid, which we must base on to achieve our goals.”"We have many talents out there and it’s our responsibility to go back to our respective zones and work to ensure that we raise these kids, both boys and girls."With cooperation and support from all stakeholders, I believe we can finally achieve the dream of having the grassroots football development implemented through the U-13s and U-15s competitions running as planned,” he stated.Sheikh Habimana will lead a committee that comprises; Capt. Gatibito Byabuze (1st vice president), Antoine Dukuzimana (2nd VP), Madam Muteteri Jeanne (Secretary General) and Jean Pierre Nkurikiyinka (Treasurer).Advisors include; Badiri Turabanye, Eng. Alexis Redamptus Nshimiyimana and Suzuki Mpanzi.Others are Mpawenimana Ismail (League 1), Ismail Mugira (League 2), Kamanzi Haridi (League 3), Nibitura Jean Claude (League 4) and Nkotanyi Illedphonse (League 5).Ijabo Ryawe Association is tasked to organize an U-13 tournament in April which will be the source of players for the U-15 and U-17 competitions lined up by Rwanda Football Federation, this year.Ijabo Ryawe Association will work with Sport Scolaire Federation in staging the U-15 tournament with a view of selecting the best talented players.While the U-13 tournaments are underway, Ijabo Ryawe, with support from FERWAFA, will organize a national U-17 tournament, which will be staged right from the district level.This tournament will attract all first and second division junior clubs as well as training centers. After the qualification round, each district will be represented by two clubs.The actual U-17 competition will begin in June and all clubs must submit the list of their players to FERWAFA before April 30.editorial@newtimes.co.rw