The brand new Amahoro stadium was on Monday July 1 inaugurated by Rwanda President His Excellency Paul Kagame and becomes only the third CAF Certified stadium in East Africa at the moment. Amahoro Stadium’s inauguration is a celebration of Rwanda’s transformation and unity. From struggle to success, the country is indeed making steps to becoming a sports tourism destination in the East African region.
The now 45,000-seater stadium, formerly at 25,000 has been under renovation since 2022 and is now up to international standards after being passed by CAF experts to host international matches. Besides Amahoro, the other stadiums with a license to host FIFA standard matches in East Africa are Uganda’s Mandela National stadium, Namboole and Benjamin Mkapa stadium, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Amahoro Stadium Inaugurated
According to a communique released by MINISPORTS, President Paul Kagame was to preside over the official inauguration of Amahoro Stadium. Besides Kagame, the ceremony which also had a domestic friendly match between APR and Police was graced by among others CAF president Patrice Motsepe, local football governing body (Ferwafa) president Alphonse Munyantwari and Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.
The match served to test the readiness of the facility’s crowd control, and other logistical aspects of the stadium which has already secured green light to host international matches as approved by world football governing body, FIFA.
Cost of the Stadium’s Renovation Project
The Amahoro Stadium reconstruction cost $132 million (RWF 160 billion). Works started in March, 2023 by SUMMA, the veritable Turkish concern, known for high quality and timely execution and was expected to get done by June, 2024.
Kagame was thankful to both CAF and FIFA for the support and inspiration during the refurbishment and also hopes the new look stadium will see an improvement in talent growth and identification in the country.
“Let me thank brother Patrice Motsepe of CAF and another brother, FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Both of them inspired us to enhance our sports infrastructure.
Facilities of the Newly Renovated Stadium
In addition to the main stadium, which accommodates football, rugby, and athletics, an adjacent building dedicated to sports for people with disabilities was constructed. Furthermore, the small stadium, known as Petit Stade, was upgraded to a higher standard, providing top-notch facilities for indoor sports.
“They have supported Rwanda and other African countries in elevating the standards of African football. At such venues, African children can train and showcase the great talent we have on our continent.
“This will allow us to raise more talent in our country instead of importing them from abroad. People will go where they want, but we will achieve something significant here because of our commitment. Today is a great day for Rwanda and football, and we will continue to improve and get better. We must work hard and smart so that we are counted among the best on our continent in general.”
Also read: $126 Million Amahoro National Stadium Renovation in Rwanda Nears Completion
