The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), in partnership with FIFA through the FIFA Forward Programme and respective districts, is implementing a large-scale infrastructure project aimed at developing four (4) modern artificial football pitches across the country.
The FERWAFA General Secretary Bonnie Mugabe said that the initiative is aimed at supporting Rwanda’s football development strategy while contributing to FIFA’s global vision of expanding access to quality, sustainable football facilities across the world.
“Construction of these modern artificial pitches is currently underway in the districts of Rusizi (Rusizi stadium), Gicumbi (existing Gicumbi stadium), Rutsiro (Mukebera stadium) and Gasabo (within the Ferwafa accommodation premises) and once complete, they will will serve youth development programs, women’s football, elite football, and community engagements,” said Mugabe.
On Wednesday, FERWAFA delegation led by Competitions Commissioner Desire Niyitanga, General Secretary Bonnie Mugabe and FIFA Forward Manager Niyobuhungiro Fidel; FIFA Regional Office lead Davis Ndayisenga, MA Development Manager Sixbert Habimana, FIFA Infrastructure consultant Betemps Cyrille Gerard-Lilian started a comprehensive assessment of all the on-going artificial turf projects in Rusizi and Rutsiro. On Thursday, the team will visit Gicumbi and Kigali sites respectively.
FERWAFA subsequently engaged with district authorities and signed MoUs with Gicumbi, Rusizi, and Rutsiro for land usage, while the Kigali site is located on FERWAFA owned land. The project aligns with the goal of strengthening grassroots and elite football through reliable, year-round training and competition fields.
Access to modern football infrastructure remains a major challenge in Rwanda due to high maintenance costs and climate-related deterioration of natural fields. Artificial turf pitches offer a sustainable and long-lasting solution.
The project aims to construct four FIFA standard artificial football pitches across Rwanda, each equipped with essential maintenance tools, player benches, goalposts, corner flags, and related field accessories.
The Kigali site will additionally include floodlights and an irrigation system to support extended use and improved facility performance. Overall, the initiative seeks to enhance sustainable facility management at both national and district levels, ensuring long-term effectiveness and accessibility of the developed infrastructure.
The construction of these pitches under the FIFA Forward Programme is a transformative initiative for Rwanda’s football landscape.
FERWAFA continues to collaborate closely with FIFA, contractor GreenFields BV,and district authorities to ensure smooth execution.
Completion of all pitches is expected in early 2026 and will mark a major milestone in advancing football development, accessibility, and excellence across the country.