It was a night woven with pledges and pride. November 9th, 2025, when dreams met duty, and purpose met promise. Under the glowing lights, the air pulsed with emotion as the FERWAFA President, SHEMA NGOGA FABRICE, handed the national flag to the Amavubi U17 team, a sacred symbol of hope, belief, and unity.

“This flag carries the heartbeat of a nation,” he said, his voice steady with conviction. “Play with heart, play with purpose, the rest will follow.”

The night glittered not only with young ambition but also with the presence of greatness.

Rwandan football legends, Jimmy MULISA, the hero who helped Rwanda reach its first-ever AFCON in 2004, and Emery BAYISENGE, the captain who led the U17 to the World Cup in 2011, shared their wisdom with the boys.

“You are not just players,” MULISA told them, “You are chapters waiting to be written in Rwanda’s football history.”

BAYISENGE echoed, “Let discipline and fighting spirit be your identity, those are the marks of true warriors.”

Also in attendance were the FERWAFA Leadership, including the Vice President in charge of Development and Technical matters and Acting SG, the Commissioner in charge of Development and Technical matters, the Senior National Team Coaches, and the Technical Director, all united in one mission: to see the youth rise.

Speaking to the team, the President and the Commissioner reminded the boys of the bigger vision:

“Our eyes are on development, we are building strong underage teams to strengthen the future of our national side. You have this chance; we won’t give you breaks, but we’ll help you grow your talent.”

The night reached its emotional peak when the Team Captain stepped forward, his voice trembling with pride.

“We pledge to give it all, to fight for our nation, and make Rwanda proud,” he declared, lifting the flag with his teammates by his side.

And in that moment, as the flag waved above determined faces, the promise of tomorrow was born.

CECAFA U17 awaits. The boys’ hearts burn with purpose, their spirits sharp, ready to make the region feel the sting of Rwanda’s sons