As you may all be aware the 16th African Youth Championship got  underway last evening and the visiting delegations have talked well of Rwanda’s good organisation and hospitality.

Echoing the words of Ghanaian captain Ayew Andre Dede, "we had never been to Rwanda, we have discovered a new place and we have not been disappointed with what we have seen”.

"The organisation is very good and we are happy,” said the son of one of Africa’s greatest footballers, Abedi Ayew Pele.

How many would have given Rwanda a chance to stage a major continental championship 14 years ago? Not many indeed, and even at this stage, very many beyond Rwanda’s boarders cannot believe what they’re hearing or are about to witness in the next 14 days.

Just 14 years ago, Rwanda was in total ruins and with nothing to offer to the outside world, to be in a position that she finds herself right now is mind-blowing.

Rwanda is fortunate to be able to host such a major event.
Let’s take our chance while we have it, first by putting on a memorable show in terms of organisation and hospitality towards the visiting teams and then hope that Caf will be impressed to award Rwanda by letting her host the seniors African Nations Cup in 2016.

A successful African Youth Championship in terms of organization and performance could be the only key to more and better major events coming to Rwanda.

Ends