One of the major football events of the year was the ceremony that brought together Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with young children aspiring to become professional footballers.
The event took place on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Stade Amahoro, with the participation of the President, Infantino, FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice, Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire, and other officials.
The initiative aimed to foster a love for football among children and gathered 220 children from 11 academies across the country, including 120 boys and 100 girls aged 13–15. Footballs and playing kits were distributed, with 250 balls given at the event and a total of 5,000 planned nationwide.
In addition to the ‘FIFA Football Festival’, Infantino attended a Rwanda Premier League match between Gasogi United and AS Kigali at Kigali Pelé Stadium, which ended 1-1.
FERWAFA Gets a New Executive Committee
On August 30, 2025, the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) inaugurated a new Executive Committee, led by Shema Ngoga Fabrice, the 16th president of the federation.
The new committee replaced the previous transitional leadership, which was headed by Munyantwari Alphonse, who did not seek re-election. Bonnie Mugabe, newly appointed to FIFA as a Stadium Security Manager, returned as FERWAFA Secretary General.
Rwanda Premier League Welcomes Foreign Clubs
Due to insecurity in Sudan, Al-Hilal SC and Al-Merrikh SC requested to join the Rwanda Premier League to maintain competitive play. Their request was approved by FERWAFA and the Rwanda Premier League.
Al-Merrikh SC is currently 3rd with 25 points from 11 matches.
Al-Hilal SC, new to the league, is 12th with 17 points from 9 matches.
New Sponsors for the Rwanda Premier League
In September 2025, ePoBox Rwanda, a mobile messaging service provider, signed a sponsorship deal with the Rwanda Premier League. The partnership includes weekly and yearly player awards:
Player of the Week: 200,000 RWF
Player of the Year: Car worth 15 million RWF
Fan of the Match: 25,000 RWF
Another sponsor, Roots Investment Group Ltd (Be One Gin), sponsors Man of the Match, Player of the Month, Best Coach of the Month, and Best Goalkeeper of the Month with varying cash prizes.
APR FC Leadership Changes
After being appointed chairman at the end of 2024, Brig. Gen. Déo Rusanganwa was removed in early December 2025. Although a new permanent chairman has not been officially announced, Col [Rtd] Mugisha Vincent is serving temporarily.
Rayon Sports Leadership Overhaul
Due to ongoing conflicts in Rayon Sports’ Executive Committee, RGB dissolved the existing board led by Twagirayezu Thadée and appointed a transitional committee for three months, led by Murenzi Abdallah. Their duties include revising statutes, safeguarding club unity, and overseeing all club operations.
Rayon Sports Appoints Seven Coaches
Before the 2024–25 season, Afhamia Lotfi from Tunisia was appointed head coach but was later replaced by Bruno Ferry, assisted by Lomami Marcel.
Other technical staff changes included Serge Mwambari joining to strengthen players’ skills. Overall, Rayon Sports had six coaches during the year.
Referees Disciplined
With FERWAFA’s new leadership, several referees received sanctions early in the season for mistakes during matches. Disciplinary actions have since decreased.
Journalists Detained
Some journalists, including Rugaju Reagan, were detained over alleged offenses linked to APR FC’s September 2024 CAF Champions League trip to Egypt. They were released provisionally on August 28, 2025.
A Difficult Year for Kiyovu Sports
2025 was particularly challenging for Kiyovu Sports, which narrowly avoided relegation to the second division after FIFA sanctions prevented the registration of new players. The team currently sits 6th with 23 points.
Promotions to the First Division
Gicumbi FC returned to the top flight after winning the Second Division title.
AS Muhanga was promoted with support from Muhanga District.
Mukura VS Appoints Young Coach
After serving as assistant to multiple coaches, Nshimiyimana Canisius, licensed B-CAF, was appointed head coach of Mukura VS, supported by Huye District.
Other Coaching Changes
Several clubs changed coaches in 2025:
Bugesera FC: Haringingo Francis ‘Mbaya’ replaced by Banamwana Camarade
Etincelles FC: Seninga Innocent replaced by Masudi Djuma, with Lomami Marcel assisting at Rayon Sports
Summary Highlights of 2025 in Rwandan Football:
President Kagame and Gianni Infantino engaged with children in football development
FERWAFA inaugurated new leadership under Shema Ngoga Fabrice
Bruno Ferry appointed head coach at Rayon Sports
RGB intervened to appoint transitional leadership at Rayon Sports
Multiple coaching changes across clubs
Referees disciplined; some journalists temporarily detained
Promotion and return of Gicumbi FC and AS Muhanga to First Division
A challenging year for Kiyovu Sports
UMUSEKE.RW