FIFA’s Development Delegate for Africa, Mr. Anthony Baffoe, is currently in Rwanda on a working visit from August 2 to 8, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to support and monitor the implementation of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) projects led by the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).
The main purpose of his visit is to discuss funding opportunities and the process of submitting project proposals under the FIFA TDS framework. With the submission deadline set for August 31, 2025, the visit comes at a crucial moment as FERWAFA prepares to secure necessary resources for the continuation and expansion of its youth talent identification and development programs.
“Rwanda is laying a solid foundation for high-level football through a structured and ambitious approach to talent development. I felt it was important to witness the progress firsthand and hold strategic discussions for the next phase,” said Mr. Baffoe during one of his engagements with the FERWAFA Technical Directorate in Kigali.
A Strategic Tour Focused on Technical Development
Before meeting with FERWAFA’s leadership, Mr. Baffoe held working sessions with National Technical Director Mr. Gérard Buscher and the Technical Director of the Rwanda School Sports Federation. Together, they reviewed current youth talent detection projects, with special focus on how to better integrate school sports into national football development pathways.
As part of his itinerary, Mr. Baffoe also visited the Runda Centre of Excellence, one of 12 centers established across Rwanda under the first phase of FERWAFA’s technical development strategy. That first phase, implemented over three years, has already yielded significant results:
• The revival of both male and female national youth teams,
• The creation and structuring of U17 and U20 youth championships for boys and girls,
• The establishment of 12 football excellence centers countrywide,
• And the delivery of over 65 coaching and development training sessions, led by 19 certified CAF instructors from Rwanda.
Looking Ahead: A Bold New Phase for Rwandan Football
Mr. Baffoe’s visit also serves to guide FERWAFA in launching the second phase of its long-term project. This time, with a focus on elite talent identification, training, and promotion. This next phase aims to build on the strong foundations already laid and elevate Rwanda to a leadership position in grassroots football development across the continent.
“FIFA recognizes and applauds FERWAFA’s outstanding efforts. The Federation has tackled structural challenges with impressive determination. Now is the time to move forward, to aim even higher,” said Mr. Baffoe, delivering official congratulations from FIFA’s development department.
He reaffirmed FIFA’s strong commitment to support FERWAFA throughout this strategic transition and pledged continued partnership to make Rwanda a benchmark of technical excellence and football governance in East Africa.
“We are fully ready to work hand in hand with FERWAFA to bring this second phase to life. Together, we will lift Rwandan football to the highest standards,” Baffoe concluded.
As part of the final leg of his visit, this coming Thursday, Mr. Baffoe will join FERWAFA’s Technical Director for field visits to two key youth football institutions:
• The Centre d’Excellence Petit Séminaire Saint Baptiste, and
• The PSG Academy Rwanda.
These visits aim to gain deeper insights into how these centers operate, and to observe firsthand how they contribute to the broader goals of national football development.