Amahoro Stadium, which is undergoing a remarkable transformation, will host the Veteran Clubs World Championship which will take place in Rwanda in September 2024.
The stadium is under transformation with the expansion project being undertaken by Turkish construction company SUMMA JV Rwanda which also constructed BK Arena.
The upgrade of the multi-purpose facility whose initial capacity is expected to increase from 25,000 to 45,000 seats upon completion, makes it the biggest stadium in the country.
ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Amahoro Stadium upgrade to be complete in June 2024
Rwanda will host the next three editions of the football tournament as indicated in a Memorandum of Understanding that Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the Visit Rwanda campaign, signed with the Veteran Clubs World Championship over the weekend.
The first championship is expected to bring 150 football legends from around the world and the contractor will be supposed to have the stadium ready by June 2024 so it can host the tournament three months later.
According to the agreement, Visit Rwanda branding will be visible in the stadium and on marketing collateral such as the jerseys and tickets. The games will also be broadcast on live television to global audiences.
Speaking after signing the agreement, RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi said, "hosting this event puts Rwanda on the world map as a fast-growing sports tourism destination. This is a championship that is expected to attract thousands of not only global football spectators but also leading brands and partners looking to create impact through sports.”
"We are excited at the income and job opportunities the tournament will create for Rwandans and encourage more people to come and host their sporting events in Rwanda," she added
On his part, Fred Siewe, Chairman of Veteran Clubs World Championship said, "We want the world to come to Rwanda not only to enjoy the tournament but to also visit its wonderful attractions and establish businesses and invest.”
Meanwhile, the Fédération Internationale de Football Vétéran (FIFVE), who organise the Veteran Clubs World Championship, on Friday, March 17, announced to captain the teams that will take part in the tournament. Former Amavubi striker Jimmy Gatete is among the eight legendary footballers who will be captaining the teams from respective regions.
The team captains of the 8 competing regions
North America team: Charmaine Hooper (Canada)
South America team: Maicon Douglas (Brazil)
North Africa & Middle East team: Wael Gomaa (Egypt)
West & Central Africa team: Patrick Mboma (Cameroon)
East & South Africa: Jimmy Gatete (Rwanda)
North & West Europe team: Robert Pires (France)
East & South Europe team: Gaizka Mendieta (Spain)
Asia team: Captain is Tzuneyasu Miyamoto (Japan)