Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) is set to construct three artificial turfs in Rutsiro, Rusizi and Gicumbi Districts. The pitches will be constructed in partnership with World Football governing body (FIFA) under its FIFA Forward project aimed at developing the infrastructure in its member associations. The idea to build modern football turfs in the three districts was adopted in the FERWAFA extraordinary general assembly in 2021 but it has not been implemented ever since. The federation on April 18, 2023, signed an agreement with the districts involved before beginning the construction works but they were hit by some delays. FERWAFA has now confirmed that the works will begin before the end of 2024. “We are aware that project was delayed but we want to implement it before the end of this year,” federation Secretary-General Adolphe Kalisa told Times Sport. “We want to extend the project to other places of the country. We have to put pitches everywhere,” he added. Kalisa added that, once completed, FERWAFA will train workers on how to take care of the stadiums maintenance. “The districts will give us people to train and show them how the machines are used to take care of the turfs which, if treated well, can last for 15 or 20 years,” he said. The stadiums will be home to Rustiro FC, Espoir FC and Gicumbi FC. Two of the three teams currently host their games away from home. Top tier side Rutsiro play their home games at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District while Gicumbi FC will be host their second division matches in Kigali.
