Kagame Highlights Football’s Role in Promoting Peace

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President Paul Kagame has said football can play a powerful role in promoting peace, both in the region and globally. He made the remarks on Friday, December 26, during a holiday football clinic at Amahoro Stadium.

The event brought together FIFA President Gianni Infantino and more than 200 boys and girls from different football academies. During the clinic, each child received a football through FIFA’s Football for Schools programme, which launched in Kigali in 2023.

Football as a Tool for Unity

While speaking at the stadium, Kagame said football offers many benefits, especially for young people from diverse backgrounds. He explained that the sport helps build unity and encourages peaceful coexistence.

Kagame thanked Infantino for using football as a tool to bring people together. He also referred to Amahoro Stadium, whose name means peace.

“This is the right place to use football to deliver peace,” Kagame said. He added that the region needs more peace and praised FIFA’s efforts to support unity through sport.

He further explained that football teaches teamwork and responsibility. According to Kagame, players learn that talent only creates results when individuals work together as a team.

FIFA Expands Youth Football Projects in Rwanda

Infantino congratulated Rwanda for building a modern stadium. He said he felt proud to celebrate the festive season in the country.

He announced that FIFA will distribute 1,000 footballs and construct 20 new FIFA arenas and 20 schools across Rwanda. These projects will include mini football pitches designed to support youth development.

“We will continue all our projects for the children of this beautiful country,” Infantino said.

He encouraged young players to dream big. He told them they could become future stars like Messi, Ronaldo, Samuel Eto’o or Didier Drogba. However, he stressed that football also helps shape better human beings by teaching respect, discipline and teamwork.

Rwanda Strengthens Football Infrastructure

Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire thanked FIFA for its continued support. She said Rwanda has already built four football pitches through the FIFA Forward programme.

The pitches are located in Kigali, Rubavu, Rutsiro and Gicumbi. According to the minister, these facilities help grow talent and expand access to sport nationwide.