Rwanda’s archrivals APR FC and Rayon Sports lock horns on Saturday, June 15, in what will be the first time to be played at refurbished ultra-modern Amahoro Stadium in Remera, Kigali. The Stadium has not hosted football matches since June 2022 when Turkish company SUMMA and local construction firm, Real Contractors, started renovation works at the facility. The major facelift, which saw the facility’s capacity increase to 45,000 seats up from 25,000, was this week approved by world football governing body (FIFA) to host international football matches. Tickets sold out The APR FC-Rayon encounter is expected to attract huge spectators who could eventually fill the 45,000 seater capacity. Tickets were placed at affordable price to ensure, from Rwf1,000 in regular seats to Rwf 10,000 for VIPs. According to the Ministry of Sports, the tickets already sold out. Only Suite Tickets are up for grabs at Rwf 125,000. ALSO READ: New-look Amahoro Stadium to be inaugurated on July 4 It’s a derby after all! Though it is a friendly game, there is nothing friendly between Rayon Sports and APR, two of the country’s traditional rivals. Firstly, the winner will have bragging rights, with the player who will score the first goal will have his name inked in history books as the first player to score at the new Amahoro Stadium while each of the teams will be looking to be the first to win the game at the Stadium. The New Times understands that the two teams will share the revenues from the ticket collections. With all this at stake, the game will no doubt be keenly contested. Paris Saint-Germain Academy and Bayern Munich Academy, two football academies of Rwanda’s tourism partners PSG and Bayern Munich will play what will serve a curtain raiser for the derby. Who are eligible to play? There are no restrictions in terms of player selections as the match serves as a pre-season friendly. Players on trials, with or without licenses are eligible to play. The coaches will use the game to assess their new players ahead of the new football season. Arsene Tuyisenge from Rayon Sports, Olivier Dushimimana from Bugesera FC and Frodouard Mugiraneza from Kiyovu Sports are all training with APR FC and can feature in the game. On the part side, Omborenga Fitina and Olivier Niyonzima are among players likely to feature for Rayon Sports, having agreed to join the club. How will people enter the stadium? Stewards will guide supporters to their respective Zones and seats at the entrance. There is also parking spaces around the stadium in which people can park their vehicles before entering the stadium. Fans will enter the stadium as follows: Some will use road Gisimenti-Migina-BK Arena-Kimironko while others used gates across road Zigama CSS- former Remera Health Centre-Rwahama: Petit Stade (Gate C and D) Zigama CSS (Gate D and E) Former Remera Health Centre (F and G) Kwa Rwahama(Gates H and J) BK Arena (Gates A, B and K) Migina (VIP, VVIP and Media) Persons with disabilities will use: VIP, VVIP and Media gates Zigama CSS: Use lift available between Gates E and F to second floor BK Arena: Use lift available between Gates K and J to second floor
