FERWAFA LAUNCHES U17 AND U20 GIRLS’ COMPETITIONS TO DEVELOP YOUNG TALENT
In partnership with FIFA, the FERWAFA (Rwanda Football Federation) officially launched youth competitions for girls, namely Rwanda Rising Stars (U17) and the Elite Premier League (U20). The opening matches were held at Ikirenga Stadium, where several girls’ teams faced each other in games aimed at showcasing young football talent.
The event was attended by various FERWAFA leaders and partners, including the President of FERWAFA Fabrice Shema Ngoga and the FIFA regional development officer Sixbert Habimana, alongside members of the Executive Committee, the Secretary General, the Technical Director, and the Head Coach of the Women’s National Team.
MATCHES THAT OPENED THE COMPETITIONS
To mark the launch of these competitions, two matches were played between girls’ teams in different age categories. In the U20 category, APR WFC faced Rayon Sports WFC in a highly anticipated match among fans of women’s football.
In the U17 category, ES Mutunda played against Runda Vision, where young players demonstrated determination and talent, showing the growing progress of women’s football in Rwanda.
PROMOTING GIRLS’ FOOTBALL TALENT
In his remarks, FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema Ngoga emphasized that these competitions are one of the key pathways to developing young girls’ football talent. He encouraged the players to take advantage of the opportunity and work hard to achieve success in football.
He said:
“These competitions are a great opportunity for young girls to showcase and develop their talents. We hope that some of these players will eventually represent the national teams in the future.”
He also thanked FIFA for its continued support in the development of football in Rwanda, particularly women’s football, and assured that FERWAFA will continue implementing programs aimed at raising the level of the sport among young players.
A STEP FORWARD FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
The launch of these competitions is considered an important step toward the growth of women’s football in Rwanda. FERWAFA officials noted that the Rwanda Rising Stars program is designed to identify and nurture young talents who will become key players for Rwanda’s national teams in the future.
These competitions are expected to help young players gain experience, improve their abilities, and showcase their talents at a higher level, ultimately contributing to the continued development of women’s football in Rwanda.
Written by: Igiraneza Migisha Janviére
