The resumption of the local handball league remains in doubt as there is no certain date set for the reopening of schools, yet 6 out of the 10 clubs comprising the league are from education institutions.

The handball league was suspended after a few matches into the new season in March, and it was due to resume this month, but on one condition – that the schools would reopen.

But, following the recent upsurge in new infections of the Covid-19, the government decided to keep schools, from nurseries to secondary schools, indefinitely shut while universities have been advised to opt for online learning.

Speaking to this publication, Jean Paul Ngarambe, Secretary General of the Rwanda Handball Federation (Ferwahand), admitted that the resumption of the league is ‘almost impossible’ unless the schools also reopen.

"The league was suspended after just three match rounds, and 60 per cent of the clubs are from learning institutions,” he said, highlighting that "these teams cannot play until schools and universities reopen and the league cannot be played without them.”

Police, one of the clubs that are not affiliated to learning institutions, are the reigning champions of the men’s national handball club.

Clubs not affiliated to learning institutions: Police, APR, Gicumbi and Nyakabanda

Clubs affiliated to learning institutions: ADEG, ES Kabarondo, ES Kigoma, Munyove, UR-Huye and UR-Rukara