Rwanda’s new Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema, has said that the practice of granting foreign players Rwandan citizenship to represent national teams is only a short-term strategy.
ALSO READ: Nyirishema tasks Rwanda Rugby body to up the sport's standards
Nyirishema’s comments came at a time several of the country’s sports teams, particularly in basketball and football, have been benefiting from the presence of foreign-born players.
In an interview on RTV Kick Off, a sports show aired on Rwanda Television (RTV), Nyirishema clarified that the policy of naturalizing foreign players is not part of the country's long-term vision.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s ultimate goal is to cultivate and elevate homegrown talent.
"This is not a permanent solution. We see it as a short-term measure while we work on developing our local players,” he said. "This is why the Ministry of Sports has not included a formal policy on naturalization. We are more focused on empowering our own athletes.”
Rwanda has increasingly relied on foreign-born players, particularly in basketball, where naturalized athletes have been contributing to the national team's performance.
However, Nyirishema insists that the reliance on foreign players is a stopgap as Rwanda strengthens its own sports development programs.
The minister was clear on the vision: the future of Rwandan sports lies in the hands of its citizens, emphasizing that the government is committed to identifying and nurturing Rwanda’s homegrown talents with potential, whether they are based in Rwanda or abroad.
"We want our young players to rise, and we aim to provide them with all the necessary resources and support. In the long run, we hope that other teams will be seeking our players. Our goal is to make sure every talented Rwandan can make a contribution, wherever they are,” he added.
Debate on foreign players’ quota rule
Rwanda’s football scene is grappling with a divisive debate on the role of foreign players in the domestic league.
Recently, the limit on foreign players per topflight team was raised to 10 down from six, with six allowed to start in any match. The decision sparked heated discussions, with some club managers and fans arguing that the number remains restrictive.
Addressing this issue, Nyirishema reiterated the importance of focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to foreign players.
He explained that while the presence of foreign talent can enhance the local league, the primary focus must always be on building local capacity.
"Bringing in foreign players is beneficial only when they add value and possess the necessary skills. But the Rwandan player is always our priority because it is our responsibility to develop them,” he noted.
"Foreign players are here to help us improve the sport, not to overshadow our own talent. Besides, why don’t we hear much about Rwandans going abroad to play?”
Long-term vision for Rwandan sports
Rwanda’s long-term ambition is to become a self-sustaining sporting nation that produces world-class talent. The focus is not just on short-term victories through naturalized players but creating a strong foundation for future generations of athletes.
While the current strategy of naturalizing foreign players has provided some immediate success, particularly in basketball, the government is keen to ensure that this does not become the norm.
Nyirishema’s stance reflects Rwanda’s broader commitment to sports development, with an emphasis on fostering local talent to compete on the global stage.
By blending short-term success with long-term planning, Rwanda hopes to build a sports culture that both respects its homegrown talent and leverages the strengths of foreign players.
As the country continues to grow in the world of international sports, this approach is designed to ensure sustainable success and national pride.