FIFA 73rd Congress kicks off in Kigali

The 73rd FIFA Congress has kicked off in Kigali, Rwanda, with close to 2,000 delegates including top football executives from the world football governing body FIFA gathering to discuss the future of football on the African continent. The event has brought much anticipation and excitement as it marks a significant moment for African football. In a recent interview with Ivan Mujisha, a journalist with East African, the focus was on the potential impact of the FIFA Congress on football development in Africa. Mujisha highlighted the importance of the congress in terms of investments and infrastructure development in sports, particularly at the grassroots level. While the congress may not immediately change the way football is played in Africa, it signals a promising start for the future of the sport on the continent. One of the major initiatives discussed at the congress is FIFA's 'Football for Schools' program, which aims to provide funding to schools interested in developing football talent at the grassroots level. Rwanda has already qualified for this program, receiving around $50,000 to support football projects in schools. This is part of a larger $100 million program by FIFA to promote sports development across Africa. The investment in infrastructure is also a key focus, with plans for the construction of three new stadiums in the districts of Rutsiro, Rusizi, and Gicumbi. Moreover, the recent launch of the Kigali Pele National Stadium signifies a significant milestone in Rwanda's sports infrastructure development. The renaming of the Nyamiramba Stadium to Pele Stadium has sparked some debate, with concerns about the recognition of local football talent. However, it is hoped that the stadium will provide a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting football in Rwanda. The discussion also touched on the need for a mindset shift towards viewing football as a means of empowering youth economically. The interview highlighted the challenges faced by sports federations in Rwanda, particularly in managing associations and securing sponsorships. There is a call for FIRAFA and the government to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the FIFA Congress to attract more sponsors and support for Rwandan football. The ultimate goal is to see young talent emerging and thriving both locally and in top leagues globally. While the excitement of hosting the FIFA Congress raises hopes for the possibility of Rwanda hosting larger football events in the future, such as the World Cup, Mujisha emphasized the importance of taking one step at a time. While hosting the World Cup would be a dream for Rwanda, there is recognition of the need for gradual progress through hosting regional tournaments and other events before aiming for such a significant global competition. The focus remains on leveraging the current momentum to drive tangible improvements in football development in Rwanda and across Africa.