The newly upgraded Amahoro Stadium was officially opened by President Paul Kagame on Monday, marking a transformative moment for Rwanda’s sports sector.
The event, attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other dignitaries, celebrated the completion of renovations that began in mid-2022.
The stadium’s capacity has been expanded to 45,000 seats from its previous 25,000, positioning it as a premier venue in the region.
Among the attendees were key figures such as Ferwafa President Alphonse Munyantwari and Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.
In his remarks, President Kagame acknowledged the significant contributions of CAF President Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He highlighted their role in motivating Rwanda to enhance its sports facilities, aiming to uplift the standard of football in the country and across Africa.
“I extend my gratitude to my brothers Patrice Motsepe and Gianni Infantino for their encouragement and support,” Kagame stated. “Their efforts have helped Rwanda and other African nations improve football infrastructure, giving our youth the platforms they need to develop their talents.”
Kagame underscored the critical role of such world-class facilities in nurturing local talent, noting, “With this stadium, we have the opportunity to cultivate our own football stars rather than looking abroad. We are committed to achieving great things here, driven by our dedication and hard work.”
He encouraged young athletes to maximize the use of these facilities, urging them to strive for excellence and aim to be among the continent’s best.
“There is no reason for our young footballers not to excel now. We must put in the effort and demonstrate our capabilities on the African stage.”
CAF President Motsepe praised the stadium’s transformation, describing it as “one of the top stadiums in Africa and globally.”
He emphasized the pride Rwandans and Africans should feel for this achievement, made possible through President Kagame’s vision.
“This is a momentous occasion for African football,” Motsepe said. “With such a facility, we can nurture our talents and elevate the standards of the game across the continent.”
Initially planned for July 4 to coincide with Rwanda’s Liberation Day anniversary, the inauguration was moved to July 1 to avoid conflicts.
The event concluded with a match for the Amahoro Stadium Inauguration Trophy, where APR FC triumphed over Police FC 1-0, with Gilbert Mugisha scoring the decisive goal.
FIFA’s recent approval for Amahoro Stadium to host international matches following a thorough inspection by CAF experts marks a significant milestone.
This development sets the stage for Rwanda to become a key player in African football, with the new stadium serving as a central hub for talent development and major sporting events.
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