The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) concluded the 2025 Liberation Cup Tournament with an electrifying final at Kigali Pele Stadium, where the Republican Guard claimed the football championship with a narrow 1–0 win over the 3rd Infantry Division.
In the third-place play-off, the 4th Infantry Division edged out the Military Police with a 2–1 victory, wrapping up a highly competitive tournament that featured strong performances across multiple sporting disciplines.
Trophies were awarded in four categories:
- Football: Republican Guard
- Netball: Rwanda Military Academy
- Volleyball: Republican Guard
- Basketball: Rwanda Military Academy
The top three teams in each discipline received medals for their outstanding performance, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Presiding over the closing ceremony, Minister of Defence Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda emphasized the deep-rooted tradition of sports in RDF, tracing back to the 1992 liberation struggle.
“These competitions enhance physical and mental fitness, build morale, and foster unity, teamwork, and camaraderie among soldiers,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the Liberation Cup and expanding its reach and impact in the years to come.
RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh, praised the participants for their discipline and resilience, noting that the tournament symbolizes not only physical strength but also the enduring values of liberation — bravery, patriotism, and mental fortitude.
The final match and award ceremony drew attendance from senior government officials, RDF and RNP leadership, and delegates from East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces, underscoring the tournament’s growing significance within the region.
The Liberation Cup continues to stand as a powerful reminder of Rwanda’s journey and a celebration of the enduring spirit of its armed forces.
