Amavubi legend Jimmy Gatete has called on the local sports fraternity and, youth at large, to keep the spirit of honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Rwandan sports fraternity lost several players, coaches, supporters and administrators during the Genocide and Gatete believes sports has been, and continues to be, key to reuniting and reconciling Rwandans. Remembrance is an opportunity to honor and remember our victims of the Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994, the former Amavubi forward said. ALSO READ: Jimmy Gatete: I am beyond excited to be back home It's also a time to hold back those who survived this history, and comfort them.” Gatete tasked to the youth to fight against anyone who distorts the history of Rwanda. To the youth, this is the time to learn and understand the real history of the Genocide, because those who pervert and deny it are many and you are the ones who must fight them, he noted. “We lost many people in sports and sports has been key to reunite people so we have to continue with that spirit which will change the mind of some people who still have harbour Genocide ideology.” Gatete, a former player for Rayon Sports, APR FC, Mukura Victory Sport and Ethiopian side St Georges, retired from international football in 2013 and ventured into business. ALSO READ: Jimmy Gatete: The striker who epitomises the glory days of Amavubi He now lives in the United States with his wife and their two children. He has not been involved in any activities associated with football, a sport in which he has fond memories of especially with the national football team, Amavubi. He is especially remembered for the winning goal he scored against Ghana to give Rwanda the first and lone qualification to a big continental tournament, the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 30: What Rwandan athletes have said The football fraternity was most affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, losing over 70 people. Some teams that lost players include Mukura, SC Kiyovu, Rayon Sports, Panthère Noire, Etincelles, Gishamvu, Mukungwa, Terminus and Kilo Volte. Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) organises a memorial activity every year to honor players, coaches, fans and administrators killed during the Genocide.
