After several months of preparations, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), successfully ended on Sunday in Kigali. Local and international football observers hailed Rwanda for the good organisation of the three-week tournament, which ended without any serious glitches as DR Congo lifted the title for the second time. On pitch, Rwanda did very well as hosts with the national team Amavubi advancing to the quarter-final stage, a feat they achieved for the first time in an event of that magnitude. On and off the pitch, Rwanda showed the world how it is done, and indeed as a vote of confidence Rwanda has been tipped to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. In an interview with The New Times on Sunday, CAF secretary general Hicham El Amrani said that Rwanda has exhibited ability to organise AFCON in the near future. Rwanda put in a lot of effort to make CHAN a memorable experience despite the fact that it was the first time the tournament was being organised in the region. The crowds at all the matches were a contrast of empty stadiums we see at similar events in other countries. Rwandans turned up in big numbers for all the matches, even after the Amavubi were eliminated in the quarters. The entertainment was also top notch, with all entertainment centres organising specific activities to entertain CHAN guests. The country should use this achievement as a spring board to do even better in organising future international events. Above all, the political will and support rendered by the leadership of the country could only make things better. Leaders at all levels, including President Paul Kagame, spared time to be part of the event, and at the end, it has bolstered the image of the country.
