Letter of the week: Whatever the case, women sports need to be supported

Editor, Last week, a story came to light about a decision taken by Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) to stop the women national football team from participating in any international competitive games until 2016 as they take stock of what has been done in the last couple of years and prepare structures from the grassroots level. To say the least, this is one lame excuse and it demonstrates a lack of support from the government towards women sports. For example, the women national football team was constituted in 2007; played some games in 2008 and that was it. They competed again this year but after being humiliated by Nigeria, they have since been put on hold until 2016. So, ever since the team was put in place, what is it the federation is taking stock of since the team hasn’t been involved in many competitive games? Maybe taking stock of not more than five games they have played since coming into force. Success doesn’t come over night. It takes years of practice and yes, even defeat. The solution is not to put the team on hold. If that is the case, then several teams would be on hold while officials “take stock.” How comes that other teams that have lost games are not put on hold? We need to get serious because if we want to play in Fifa and Caf competitions, the girls need to continue playing, not to sit back and wait till 2016. The federation clearly is not doing enough to sport these young girls. Sophia Uwantege

Lifestyle

Letter of the week: Whatever the case, women sports need to be supported