Rising Stars: How FERWAFA is Building the Future of Rwandan Women's Football

 Story by UWINEZA Roger


In Rwanda, the beautiful game is not just for men. Women's football is growing quickly, and the national football association, FERWAFA, is the driving force behind this exciting change. By creating a strong system of leagues for players of all ages, FERWAFA is helping to find and develop talented young girls, and the results are starting to show on the international stage.


Building from the Ground Up


The key to FERWAFA's plan is simple: start young. Understanding that real talent needs time to grow, the federation has set up organized football leagues for different age groups. This means a young girl can begin playing in a structured league as a teenager and have a clear path to progress to senior-level football.


This system does two very important things. First, it helps coaches find the best players from all over the country from a young age. Second, it ensures that these players get regular training and competitive matches, which is the only way to improve skills and gain experience. By investing in these youth leagues, FERWAFA is building a strong foundation for the future, making sure the national women's team will have a steady supply of well-trained players for years to come.


The Proof is in the Players: Success Stories


This hard work is no longer a secret. The best proof that Rwandan women footballers have incredible talent is that they are now being noticed and signed by big international clubs.


A great example is Jeanine Mukandayisenga, who is famously known by her nickname "Kaboy". She started her career at Rayon Sports Women’s FC in Rwanda. Her skill and performance were so impressive that she earned a move to one of Africa's top clubs, Yanga Princesses in Tanzania. This is a huge step forward in any player's career.


Mukandayisenga Jeanine a.k.a KaBoy (with the ball)  showing her skills


She is not alone. Magnifique Umutesi is another shining talent who made a similar move. She now plays for Simba Queens, another strong team in Tanzania. These moves are very significant. They show that clubs outside of Rwanda see the value and quality of players developed in the Rwandan system.


These transfers do more than just help the individual players. They inspire thousands of young girls across Rwanda to dream big. They see that with hard work and the right support, they too can become professional footballers and represent their country on a larger stage.


A Bright Future Ahead


FERWAFA’s commitment to women's football is clear. By continuing to support and fund these age-group leagues, the federation is putting its power behind these athletes to help them rise and shine. The journey is still ongoing, but the path is set.


The success of players like Kaboy and Umutesi is just the beginning. It confirms that the strategy is working. As the leagues continue to produce more talented players, we can expect to see even more Rwandan women representing top clubs abroad and strengthening the national team, the She-Amavubi.


Rwandan women's football is on an exciting upward journey, and with FERWAFA’s continued support, the future looks very bright indeed. The world is starting to see the talent that Rwanda has to offer.

She Amavubi U20, in trainings 

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