Rayon, Indahangarwa protest against Peace Cup final lunch-time kickoff

Rayon Sports WFC and Indahangarwa WFC have accused local football governing body (FERWAFA) of unfair treatment of women football after the pair’s Peace Cup final was scheduled Tuesday, April 30, at midday (12PM), three hours before the men’s Peace Cup third place match between Rayon Sports and Gasogi United. The final was initially scheduled on Wednesday, May 1 at 12:00pm Kigali Pele Stadium, preceding the men's final between Police FC and Bugesera FC 3:00pm, same ground. However, the federation on Monday announced that the women’s final was rescheduled to Tuesday, April 30, 24 hours before kickoff. ALSO READ: Ntagisanimana charged with misconduct The decision was, however, not welcomed by either side considering that it was rescheduled to precede the men’s third place match, describing it as unfair and disrespectful for women football. Frankly, it's unfair, claimed Rayon Sports WFC Secretary General Bennie Axella Kana. I don't recall ever seeing a men's game scheduled at noon.” “Our country prioritizes gender equality, so it's concerning to see women's football treated unfairly in situations where it isn't necessary, she added. We have grown accustomed to these early fixtures, but that doesn't make it right. While limited stadium availability remains a challenge, it shouldn't be the sole reason for the constant victimization of women's football. In my opinion, these issues need to be addressed, even if it requires a change in our approach. Kana’s comments were echoed by Blues head coach Claude Rwaka who said that, while lunchtime kickoffs have become common for women football, at least the federation should have put some respect for a match of a Peace Cup final caliber and schedule it at a convenient time. As a coach, I can understand the need to adapt, but in the interest of women football development and visibility, we should strive for better, Rwaka said. Indahangarwa Head Coach Alice Niyoyita shared similar sentiments, calling for equal treatment of men and women’s football. It's unfortunate that mid-day matches are the norm for women's football here in Rwanda, she said. While we are aware of the challenges this poses for players, our hands are tied. Scheduling a women's final before a men's third-place match is unfair and illustrates the lack of equality in women's football development. And, for Indahangarwa captain Marie Claire Mushimiyimana, the midday kickoff could barely attract as many fans as expected due to work commitments and the harsh daylight. Football is all about the people, the fans, she stressed. It's disheartening to play in empty stadiums because of inconvenient kickoff time.” Efforts to get a comment from FERWAFA’s official in charge of Women Football Development Ancille Munyankaka, were futile.