Local football governing body (FERWAFA) is targeting to invest in inter-school tournaments and produce new talents that can play for the national team during the next few years.
This is one of the federation’s key takeaways from the U15 African Schools Championships 2024/25 that concluded at Stade Ubworoherane, Musanze District, on Sunday, November 24.
Organized by Rwanda Schools Sports Federation (RSSF) in partnership with FERWAFA, the tournament brought together 14 teams, six boys' teams and six girls' teams vying for national glory and the chance to represent Rwanda at the Regional African Games which will take place in Uganda from December 4–8.
The champions were celebrated in grand style where GS Kicukiro, representing City of Kigali, emerged victorious in the boys' category, while PS Baptiste from Huye District clinched the girls' title.
The inter-school competition is part of Rwanda’s broad vision to develop football talent at the grassroots level.
FERWAFA official at the competitions committee, Amani Turatsinze, lauded the program for its role in nurturing young talent and promised to work with the Rwanda Schools Football Federation in "grooming players who can fill gaps in our national teams, particularly in the women’s squad, over the next three years."
Turatsinze also emphasized the importance of developing young referees through similar competitions.
"We have trained 400 referees during previous tournaments. Many of them are now officiating matches in men’s third division and women’s second division leagues. Our goal is to have referees as young as 20 or 22 years with qualifications that meet international standards.”
Kicukiro, Huye stand out
The just-concluded U15 African Schools Championships 2024/25 saw top performing schools battling for podium finish in both men and women’s football.
The semi-finals in the girls' category were closely contested. IPM Mukarange of Kayonza edged GS Kinoni from Burera 1-0 to set a final date with Huye District’s PS Baptiste who overcame GS Kabusunzu of Nyarugenge 1-0 in another semifinal match.
In the third-place playoff, GS Kinoni redeemed themselves with a hard-fought victory over GS Kabusunzu, earning a podium parade with bronze alongside champions PS Baptiste and runners-up IPM Mukarange.
After the final match ended 0-0 after 50 minutes of action, PS Baptiste won the trophy after beating IPM Mukarange 5-4 on penalties.
"We came into this tournament with the clear objective of winning. Our collective strategy, strong defense, and communication were key to our success,” PS Baptsite captain Emelyne Irinatwe said after the match.
"As girls, we face stereotypes about our ability to play football, but we’re here to prove we can compete at the highest level. Our goal is to continue breaking barriers and bring glory to Rwanda in the regional tournament,” she added.
In the boys’ category, Huye’s ER Pacis qualified for the final after seeing off GS Kampanga of Musanze with a commanding 3-1 win while GS Kicukiro from Kigali booked the remaining ticket to the final after following their emphatic 5-0 victory over GS Busigari of Rubavu.
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The boys' final saw GS Kicukiro deliver a commanding 4-0 win against ER Pacis. Sayidi Niyonzima and Patrick Ujeneza, scored twice each, cementing their team’s dominance throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on their trophy victory, champions captain Emmanuel Gisubizo attributed their success to rigorous preparation despite challenges.
"Winning this trophy was a result of playing hard and following the rules. Despite the shortage of playgrounds, we adapted by organizing efficient training sessions. Now, as we prepare to represent Rwanda in the Regional African Games, our focus is to bring the trophy home and make our country proud,” Gisubizo said.