Rwamagana FC in financial crisis as new season looms

Newly promoted Rwamagana FC are set for a rude welcome on their debut in the Azam Rwanda Premier League set to kick off this weekend following reports that the club is struggling to put together a sufficient budget to run their activities. Rwamagana was promoted to the top flight division along with second division champions Bugesera FC—both Eastern Province-based clubs sponsored by Rwamagana and Bugesera districts respectively. However, while Bugesera have an approved budget for the new season, Rwamagana fans have reason to worry about how their team will cope. Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview, Rwamagana FC president, Ismail Karinganire disclosed that after earning their historic promotion, the club’s executive committee passed an annual budget of Rwf80m. “The budget was submitted to the district authorities for approval however; the district’s response is disappointing. They told us we shall get the money in November, and we are not even sure whether they will provide the whole amount as we requested,” Karinganire said. Last month, the head coach Francois Kalisa agreed a one-year extension with the club, but has refused to sign the contract due to the club’s failure to pay the agreed salary. “Of course he (Kalisa) cannot sign before we pay him but we are trying our best to get his money soon although he is already working,” noted Karinganire. In a separate interview, Rwamagana district Executive Secretary, Henry Kakooza revealed that the district had allocated only Rwf5m to the club as they had always done without expecting them to get promoted but after their promotion, the district increased its contribution to Rwf16m and have already given the club Rwf4m. “We cannot get all the Rwf80m because we never planned for it before but the remaining Rwf12m will be given to the club before November and we shall try to look for other sponsors for them too,” said Kakooza. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwamagana FC in financial crisis as new season looms