This is the year for our football to make us proud

As a local football enthusiast, I am always troubled when many people prefer to watch foreign leagues instead of our own. They follow Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich with an enviable sense of patriotism, as if they are part and parcel of the clubs.

Thursday, January 03, 2013
A match between Rwanda and Namibia; Rwanda Football fans should support their local teams. The New Times / File.

As a local football enthusiast, I am always troubled when many people prefer to watch foreign leagues instead of our own. They follow Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich with an enviable sense of patriotism, as if they are part and parcel of the clubs.But let us face it; it is not their fault and does not in any way mean that they are less patriotic about our clubs such as APR or Rayon Sport. The fact is that our local Primus National League is too boring to add any entertainment value to the fans.As a fan, I want to marvel at skill and professionalism, and I will pay just to get my urge satisfied. However, I will not pay for anything I know won’t give me satisfaction. Our national league is just like that.It is simply dead. Clubs don’t have money to develop, large companies in Rwanda are not willing to spend and unfortunately, it seems the government has no option but to step in once in a while to help keep the league’s head above water.Under looking sports is no longer tolerable in any country and I am very disturbed that is the case in Rwanda.I want to see our clubs participate in top African club competitions; I want to see Amavubi fighting hard to go to the Africa Cup of Nations and even the World Cup… I want to see this determination and even if we lose, this determination alone gives satisfaction.Let us not take football for granted this year like we have always done since 2004. I beg of you the leaders in FERWAFA. Woo the investors, sponsors and everyone possible. Josh KananuraKigali