Madeleine Mukanemeye, the elderly woman affectionately known as "Mama Mukura," has been named the official trophy bearer of the inaugural Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC), which will take place in Kigali from September 1-10.
The development was announced by VCWC president, Fred Siewe on Monday, June 10.
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An ardent fan of Mukura VS and national team Amavubi, Mukanemeye is celebrated for her unwavering dedication to Rwandan football, considering that she barely misses football matches hosted at Huye Stadium which is home to topflight side Mukura VS and Amavubi.
At 102 years old, Mukanemeye holds the distinction of being Rwanda&039;s oldest football fan. She will have the honor of receiving the VCWC trophy upon its arrival at Kigali International Airport in the coming weeks.
The trophy will be carried in a relay by VCWC partners, sponsors, and organizing institutions. The relay will culminate with Mukanemeye presenting the trophy to the public.
"She is proving that passion never dies," Fred Siewe of Mukanemeye. "No matter what limitations others may see, there is always a way to express our passion for the beautiful game.
That's why the legends are coming to Kigali, and that's equally why we chose Mama Mukura as our lead trophy bearer," Siewe said.
Accompanied by former Amavubi Players Association (FAPA) president, Eric Eugène Murangwa, who also serves as the Vice President in charge of the Peace Forum, Siewe traveled to Mukaneyemeye’s home in Save, Gisagara District, to meet her in person and share the news about the trophy relay with her.
"I feel extremely honored by VCWC and look forward to welcoming the trophy as well as the legends to Kigali. I haven’t been to Kigali since 1994, and now, after 30 years, I’m returning for the VCWC, which is even more exciting," Mukanemeye told Times Sport.
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The VCWC signed three-year partnership with the Government of Rwanda in May 2023.
The agreement ensures that the Rwandan capital will host the tournament, reserved for football legends, until 2026, aligning with the partnership&039;s duration.
The event will attract some 150 football legends of various generations from different parts of the globe. Among notable legends set to grace the VCWC are former AC Milan forward George Weah, the only African player to have won the FIFA Ballon d’Or, Michael Owen, Ronaldinho and Rwanda’s Jimmy Gatete to name a few.