Ferwafa backs memorial tourney

THE RWANDAN football fraternity was deeply affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Genocide claimed undocumented number of players, coaches, administrators and fans.About 70 victims have been identified to date. Some teams that lost players include Mukura, SC Kiyovu, Rayon Sports, Panthère Noire FC, Etincelles FC, Gishamvu FC, Mukungwa FC, Terminus FC and Kilo Volte FC.However, the national football governing body, Ferwafa hasn’t organised any tournament in their memory. Only Mukura Victory Sport have done it in the past but due to lack of funds, the tournament has not been held for the last four years.But this year, Ferwafa plans to support Mukura in organising the memorial tournament, which is planned in July, according to the federation Secretary General Michael Gasingwa.“We have already agreed with the Ministry of Sports and Culture as well as the National Olympic Committee to join Mukura in organising the (Genocide memorial) tournament,” Gasingwa told Times Sport.According to Mukura SG, Olivier Mulindahabi, the tournament will be held either in late June or early July depending on the availability of resources and the club’s schedule for the reminder of the season.“We are doing everything possible to have this event, but we are yet to agree on the dates because we are still in contention of the two competitions,” he said. Besides the league, Mukura is also in the Peace Cup competition.Some of the identified victims include:PlayersKiyovu Sport: Innocent Kagabo, Innocent Murenzi Alias Gukuni, Martin Rudasingwa, Rusha and Kanyadekwe.Rayon Sport: Raphael Murekezi alias Fatikaramu, Longin Munyurangabo, Bosco (Mwene Ruterana), Kirangi, Rutabingwa, Misili, Charles Kayombya, Kibambasi Mugemana, Kassim, Abbas, Sabiti NtacyabukuraPanthère Noire FC: Rugumire, Mukungwa FC: Basebya, Terminus FC: Pascal Rutazibwa and Augustin Ruzindana and in Kilo Volte FC: Kagabo.Etincelles FC: Jean Marie Vianney Rudasingwa Alias Semukanya and Faustin Semutaga.Gishamvu FC: François Mukimbiri, Romuald Gahigira, Pascal Ruberizesa, Justin Senyange, Clément Kayisire, Etienne Nkundiye and Sindikubwabo Bernard.Mukura Victory Sport: Modeste Busarabwe, Joseph Ndakaza, Jean Baptiste Karungire, Felicien Ngango, Martin Rutegaziga, Camille Kayihura, Justin Rusingwa Alias Gaturira, Théophile Rutagengwa, Musisi, Paul, Alphonse, Rugema, Karonger, Emmanuel Géant and Charles Sitaki.Fans: Kiyovu: Gaspard Gashagaza, Innocent Higiro, Eugène Mukimbiri, Dominique and Tojo, Mukura VS: Paul Gakuba, Evariste Kamugunga, Athanase Kayitakire, Laurent Kaberanya, Masabo, and Pierre Nsonera.Rayon: Ntagugura, Eugène Kayiranga, Bernard Munyabitare, Samuel Ntirugiribambe, Fidèle Mutaganda, Rulinda, Enoki, Benoit Mujejende, Janvier (Agronome), and Palatin Kabalisa.