Two candidates namely, retired Brig. Gen. Jean Damascene Sekamana and Louis Rurangirwa have submitted their nomination papers seeking to run for the presidency of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).

According to FERWAFA, Sekamana, who retired recently from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rurangirwa, who is former Rwanda Athletics Federation president, submitted their nomination bids on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Sekamana, who was accompanied by Miroplast FC Secretary General, Alexis Redamptus Nshimiyimana, submitted his forms to the Electoral Commission, which was represented by its head Adolphe Kalisa and vice president Boniface Nsabimana and other members of the commission.

Both aspirants, retired Brig. Gen. Sekamana and Rurangirwa have been active in Rwandan football for some time. If elected, Sekamana will become the third army officer to lead Rwandan football governing body after Gen. Ceasar Kayizari and Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura.

Sekamana, who served as the president of SC Kiyovu and vice president of Bugesera FC in recent years, is the currently the vice president of second division club Intare FC.

Rurangirwa is a former Rwandan referee and recognized by the Rwanda Referees Association (ARAF).

The FERWAFA Electoral Commission will undergo scrutiny of nomination forms submitted by both candidates between February 28-March 9 when the commission will declare the eligible candidate(s) to vie for FERWAFA’s top seat to replace Vincent Nzamwita, who will contesting for a second term.

Nzamwita has been president of Rwanda Football Federation since January 2014. Qualified candidates will begin campaigning officially on March 12 until March 30, the eve of the Election Day.

The term of office for the Executive Committee which will be elected on March 31, 2018 and the newly elected president will have a four-year term renewable three times only.

The FERWAFA elections will be held for a second time after the first elections held on December 30, 2017 couldn’t produce an eligible winner with sole candidate Felicite Rwemalika failing to garner the majority vote to be elected the president of FERWAFA.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw