The renovation of Kimisagara football ground will cost at least Rwf240 million upon completion, the City of Kigali has told Weekend Sport. In March 2023, the City of Kigali, in partnership with the World Bank, worked on the implementation of the Mpazi project, a scheme designed to uplift informal settlements across Gitega Sector, Nyarugenge District. A centerpiece of this initiative was the renovation of Kimisagara football ground which has been a breeding ground for some of Rwanda's talented footballers, including Amavubi and Sandviken forward Lague Byiringo, veteran footballers Mwemere Ngirinshuti and Jean Claude Iranzi among others. This pitch is part of the 'Mpazi' project, which aims to upgrade informal settlements in Gitega Sector by providing new housing residents with access to high-quality sports facilities. The goal is to develop young footballers and promote healthy lifestyles within the community, said Kimisagara Youth Centre manager Tadeo Talemwa. Located at Kimisagara Youth Centre, the football ground boasts pitch features a brand new artificial turf and floodlights which Talemwa said will provide optimal playing conditions day and night. The football ground will be fully functional by early or mid-May, he said. To maximize the benefits of the new pitch for local youth, Talemwa said that the centre will hire qualified coaches to unearth and develop promising talents in the area, ensuring a high standard of coaching that will aid their growth and career prospects. Talemwa said, “the goal is to develop young footballers and promote healthy lifestyles within the community. Previously, this pitch welcomed youth from far and wide, but we intend to elevate its impact on young footballers,” he added. Kimisagara football ground is part of the City of Kigali’s project to construct community-based sports facilities in the city neighborhoods. According to Chief Urban Planner Solange Muhirwa, the idea is to expand sports infrastructure and bring them closer to the community. Our aim is to offer citizens ample opportunities to engage in sports and spectate events that cater to their interests, promoting a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle for all, Muhirwa told Weekend Sport. The city master plan envisions sports facilities within each cell, and we are committed to advancing this vision. We invite stakeholders to join us in our initiative. Our commitment to enhancing the Kimisagara Youth Centre's football pitch is just the beginning of our expansive plan to increase the availability of sports facilities within the community.” Following the recent opening of the multi-purpose Tapis Rouge playgrounds, featuring football, basketball, volleyball, and handball facilities, the City of Kigali continues its mission to enhance existing sports infrastructure to meet high standards. We are dedicated to creating convenient, accessible amenities for all residents, with additional enhancements planned nearby to further support the growth of sports in our community. In a similar project, more community-based facilities to be constructed. They include a basketball and volleyball courts which are presently under construction at Gitega Primary School in Nyarugenge District and a football pitch in Nyabisindu in Gasabo District. In collaboration with Imbuto Foundation, mini-football pitches will be developed in Bibare community and Kabeza neighborhood while natural grass football pitches will be built in Nyagatovu and Group Scolaire Murambi. “The overarching goal for the City of Kigali is to nurture communities where sports facilities transcend mere amenities and become integral components of neighborhood life.” “For example, within our IDP Model Villages like Busanza and Karama, we are integrating diverse sports facilities such as volleyball and basketball courts to foster community engagement. As part of our dedication to enhancing informal settlements, we prioritize the integration of sports facilities.” The strategic initiative aims to ensure that all residents have easy access to these venues, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle for everyone. “We are actively engaging with the private sector to collaborate with us in constructing and enhancing existing sports facilities within our neighborhoods.”
