In a bold move aimed at boosting Rwanda's tourism sector, the government has signed major sponsorship deals with three of Europe's most prominent football clubs; Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and most recently Bayern Munich. The Visit Rwanda brand has become synonymous with the nation's commitment to showcasing its unique beauty and culture to the world—and yes, with all intent and purpose, this is a very good move, no doubt about that. ALSO READ: Rwanda signs landmark deal with Bayern Munich However, there is need for these landmark deals to have a ripple effect on local football, which has cried out loud (for so long) for an injection of professionalism in order to move to another level. If these partnerships are going to have a lasting and meaningful impact on the beautiful game in Rwanda, it is crucial for the government to involve the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) and other technical experts—not just Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This can, and or will not only benefit local clubs but also nurture (inspire) local talent and provide opportunities for Rwandan players to try out their luck in Europe. Bottom line, Rwandan football needs to benefit from these partnerships in one way or another. The Visit Rwanda partnership deals with these European football giants have garnered international attention and have the potential to redefine the nation's image, and as RDB intends, increase the number of European tourists. By associating Rwanda with some of the most iconic clubs in the world, the government has demonstrated a beyond-the-ordinary approach to tourism promotion. Yet, to maximize the impact, these partnerships must surpass marketing and generate tangible benefits for local football. One of the key avenues for local football development is through youth academies. Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich have robust youth development systems that produce top-tier talent. ALSO READ: 10 Rwandan football prospects set for 2023 ‘Bayern Munich Youth Cup’ Rwanda should leverage these partnerships to access knowledge, resources, and coaching expertise to enhance its own youth academies. These clubs can provide invaluable insights into talent identification, training methodologies, and the development of young players. To put it plainly, the government needs to ensure that a portion of the sponsorship funds is allocated to building state-of-the-art football facilities across the country. These facilities can only serve as breeding grounds for future talents and offer local players access to top-notch training environments. Investment in infrastructure is essential to develop a strong footballing culture at the grassroots level. While these sponsorships primarily focus on promoting tourism, which is an excellent scheme, there should be a conscious effort to integrate the local football community. This means collaborating with FERWAFA and local clubs to create talent exchange programs, coaching workshops, and friendly matches between Rwandan teams and their European counterparts, where and when possible. These deals should not just be about promoting Rwanda overseas but also about creating opportunities for Rwandan footballers to compete on the European stage. While the gap between local leagues and elite European competitions is substantial, these partnerships can facilitate trials and scouting opportunities for talented Rwandan players—yes, it’s possible when you have a dream and a big one at that—to become a professional footballer. Establishing a clear pathway for young talent to transition from Rwanda to Europe will be crucial for the sustainability of these deals. Rwandan clubs should also benefit from these sponsorships directly or indirectly because increased interest and investment in local football can attract more fans and sponsors to domestic competitions—this way, everyone is a winner. The influx of resources can help local clubs improve their infrastructure, coaching, and youth development programs. FERWAFA needs to make it mandatory for every league club to have a youth team (more about this, another time). For these partnerships to have a lasting impact, felt by every Rwandan, it is imperative that the government collaborates closely with FERWAFA and football experts by focusing on youth development, infrastructure and creating ways for local players to have trials in Europe. Fortunately, this is already happening with PSG already having an academy in Huye and through the different clinics where senior coaches from these partner clubs have been here to impart skills and inspire youngsters. The writer is a sports commentator based in Kigali
