Teams relocate to Bugesera as renovation works at Kigali Stadium start

At least four Kigali-based teams namely Gorilla FC, Gasogi United, AS Kigali, and SC Kiyovu will be hosting their home games at Bugesera Stadium until works to revamp Kigali Stadium are completed, Times Sport has established. The teams requested Bugesera District to use the stadium, which is normally home to Bugesera FC, after Kigali City told the clubs that Kigali Stadium has been temporarily closed to pave way for works to revamp the facility which start Wednesday, January, 4. The stadium will be closed for about two months as the City runs against the clock to have it ready by March to be able to host the FIFA Delegation Tournament which will bring together delegates that will take part at the 2023 FIFA Congress that will take place in Kigali in March. Eight clubs that currently host matches at Kigali Stadium have been notified of the facility’s temporary closure and are looking for a place to relocate. The likes of APR, Police, and Rayon Sports have not yet confirmed where they will be hosting their home matches, but it is reported that they have Muhanga Stadium, Nyagatare Stadium and Huye Stadium to choose from as their potential destination. The renovation works will specifically be done in the pitch and other areas. Kigali stadium is not among African stadiums approved by the Security and Safety Department of CAF and, as a result, remains banned from hosting international matches until renovation works are completed. With the suspension of Kigali Stadium and Amahoro stadium which are pending upgrade activities, Huye Stadium remains only one facility in Rwanda that meets the criteria to host international senior football matches and other CAF inter clubs competitions. AS Kigali finished the first round of the Rwanda Premier League at the top of the table with 30 points. They are level on points with SC Kiyovu and two clear of APR, Gasogi United and Rayon Sports who are separated by goal difference on third, fourth and fifth positions respectively.