“See the Moments: FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice Hands Rwanda U17 Flag at Newly Opened Hotel”

On the evening of November 9, 2025, Rwanda’s U17 national football team, Amavubi U17, marked a historic moment in their CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations preparations. The event combined pride, pledges, and purpose, highlighted by the inauguration of the long-awaited FERWAFA four-star hotel, and a symbolic flag presentation by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice. The new facility, completed after 11 years of construction and valued at $4 million (approx. Rwf 4 billion), hosted the squad as they settled into camp ahead of the tournament in Ethiopia, running from November 15 to December 2, 202

On the evening of November 9, 2025, Rwanda’s U17 national football team, Amavubi U17, marked a historic moment in their CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations preparations. The event combined pride, pledges, and purpose, highlighted by the inauguration of the long-awaited FERWAFA four-star hotel, and a symbolic flag presentation by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice. The new facility, completed after 11 years of construction and valued at $4 million (approx. Rwf 4 billion), hosted the squad as they settled into camp ahead of the tournament in Ethiopia, running from November 15 to December 2, 2025. The hotel, financed by FIFA and the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), offers 42 rooms, two dining areas, offices, and two conference halls, with a 1,000-seat mini-stadium under construction nearby to complement Kigali Pelé Stadium. This facility is expected to enhance Rwanda’s sports infrastructure and reduce FERWAFA’s accommodation costs for national teams. Rwanda learned its CECAFA U17 fate during the official draw on October 31, 2025, at the FUFA Television studios in Uganda. Amavubi U17 has been placed in Group A alongside host nation Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Defending champions Uganda lead Group B with Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi. According to tournament rules, the top two teams from each group progress to the semifinals, with the finalists earning a spot at the 2025 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, adding significant stakes to the regional competition. Under Head Coach Sosthene Habimana Lumumba, Rwanda’s U17 team has been training rigorously every weekend. A residential camp, starting November 1, will finalize the squad traveling to Ethiopia. The provisional team features a mix of homegrown talents and young players from prominent academies, including FC Bayern Academy, Tony Academy, and Umuri Foundation. The coaching staff, comprising Head Coach Sosthene Habimana, Assistant Coaches Alain Kirasa and Dieudonne Muyenzi, Goalkeepers Coach Peacemaker Habimana, and Fitness Coach Peter Kagabo, brings a wealth of experience expected to guide the team in adapting to international competition.

“FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice presents the national flag to Rwanda U17 players during their camp ahead of the CECAFA U17 Championship on November 9, 2025, at the newly inaugurated FERWAFA four-star hotel.”

With determination, skill, and a historic new home base at their disposal, Rwanda’s U17s are set to challenge Group A opponents and aim for a semifinal berth, carrying the pride of their nation and a dream of CAF U17 qualification. Departure is scheduled for 10:00 AM, with arrival at Baragera Airport by 07:30 AM, as the young Amavubi prepare to make their mark in Ethiopia.