Mitali rallies for sports dev’t support

THE Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali has applauded the initiatives of DHL Express in supporting the development of Rwandan football.Mitali made the remarks on Wednesday night at Serena Hotel during a dinner hosted by DHL Express for soccer fans and guests to meet former Manchester United striker Quinton Fortune.Mitali said, “We are pleased to have one of the famous players of one of the giant clubs in the world. We thank DHL Express for inviting Fortune to come to Rwanda. This is a remarkable support to our football development and I am sure, you will continue supporting the development of the sport in Rwanda.”“Quinton Fortune made a good choice to visit Rwanda. Sometimes we tell people that Rwanda is the right destination after going through a long journey that saw over a million people lose their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. You have realised that despite the Genocide, we didnt lose hope, we are upright men and women who have dignity and are proud of our nation,” Mitali said.Mitali also stated that the country which has managed to restore peace through commitment and determination wants to build its sports sector on the same foundation in order to be among top footballing nations on the continent.“Young kids have been inspired and encouraged by your story. They consider you as a player with exceptional potential, they dream to play for Manchester United and other soccer clubs around the world, so please help them realise their dream.”“We want you to be a Rwandan football ambasador. I request other commercial companies to contribute immensely to the development of sports in Rwanda through different activities that inspire youngsters.”“Supporting the development of sports in the country doesn’t mean that you have to build infrastructures but even such remarkable, inspirational visits from reknowned stars are very important,” added Mitali.Fortune thanked DHL Express for bringing him to Rwanda, adding that he will consider investing in the country.“I couldn’t believe how clean Rwanda is. The first thing that came in my head was like, this is the Switzerland of Africa. Rwanda is amazing. When I think about Rwanda, it reminds me of Lazarus in the Bible. He was dead and Christ went to wake him up and definately in a short space of time what I have seen is that Christ has awoken Rwanda.” “What this country went through and the state it is in now is very amazing. I want to congratulate everyone, your country is amazing and I hope I will come back and stay longer and even invest here,” Fortune added.DHL, the official logistics partner for Manchester United sponsored Quinton Fortune’s visit to Rwanda. The star who earned 46 caps for Bafana Bafana shared his football experience in South Africa, England and Spain.The former Athletico striker shared his unbelievable story when he moved from Cape Town aged 14 years and headed to England where he played for the Tottenham Hotspur junior team whilst attending Forest school until he landed a move to Athletico Madrid, Manchester United, South Africa national team until his retirement.Fortune returned to Manchester United on Thursday. The bubbly South African still trains at Carrington and assists with some of the sessions involving the Reserves and younger lads at the club whilst working on his coaching badges, which he aims to complete at the end of this year.