MY NAME IS UWASE UMWALI

My journey in football has been like climbing tall, endless mountains. I started playing when I was still a little girl in primary school, discovering the unique joy of simply kicking a ball—feeling it roll around my feet and sensing the excitement of a child who believes wonders are waiting ahead.

After finishing primary school, I began a new chapter at AS Kigali WFC Academy in 2014. I was still young, but full of fire and big dreams. I spent only one year in the academy, but it was a year that transformed me. I stood out like a flash of lightning—so much that I was immediately promoted to the senior team of AS Kigali WFC.

By 2016, I had grown both as a player and as a person, and Rwanda extended its hand to me. I was called up to the Senior Women’s National Team, a moment when I felt my journey was finally reaching beyond the boundaries of where I was born.

I continued to be a warrior for AS Kigali until I moved to Fatima WFC, where I played for two seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). During both seasons, I served as the team captain, standing at the front like the pilot of a plane, giving direction and guiding my teammates through the competitive skies of major tournaments.

After two years at Fatima WFC, I returned home—to the team that raised me—AS Kigali WFC, where I played another two seasons (2023–2024 and 2024–2025). Afterward, I decided to take on a new challenge and joined Rayon Sports WFC.

I joined Rayon Sports WFC in July 2025 to compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League. After the Champions League, we returned to the domestic league battle for the national championship, playing the 2025–2026 season.

In the first five matches, I had already scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists. My star shone brightly again in October when I was named Player of the Month, receiving the award for the best-performing player—an honor that strengthened my belief that my journey continues to grow. The championship is still ongoing, and my story is still being written—moving forward toward new mountains that await me.

Written by: MIGISHA Janvière

Translated in English from Kinyarwanda by Jean Marie Shareef