Caf asks Rwanda to upgrade facilities

THE Confederation of African Football (Caf) has asked Rwanda to upgrade the facilities in order to host a successful 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament. Caf’s Secretary General Hicham El Amrani made the remarks after a Caf delegation visited the sites which will host the matches. Among the delegation was Caf president Issa Hayatou, and 2nd vice-president Almamy Kabele Camara. Rwanda’s Minister for Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali, Infrastructure minister Silas Lwakabamba and Ferwafa boss Vincent Nzamwita were also present. “Rwanda is on the right track to host the tournament in 2016 and we are glad that we had the ministers for Sports and Culture as well as Infrastructure with us on our visit to the different host venues,” El Amrani told the press on Tuesday. He added, “We know that when President Paul Kagame promises something, he delivers and Rwanda has always delivered and this was proven by their successful hosting of the 2009 U-20 and 2011 U-17 tournaments and there is no reason why it won’t be possible for Chan.” El Amrani noted that Rwanda has the infrastructure and facilities in place but they needed to be upgraded to the required standards. With the national team set to be engaged in different regional and continental competitions, focus has to be put on infrastructure development for the 16-nation tournament. Amahoro national stadium, Kigali regional stadium, Stade de Rubavu and Stade de Huye will be upgraded to Fifa standards, including being able to host night matches.