Newly appointed Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) Secretary General Bonnie Mugabe has issued a stern warning to staff, saying he will only work with employees who are ready to deliver under pressure, otherwise he will not hesitate to activate what he called “Plan B.” Mugabe made the remarks during the handover ceremony held at FERWAFA headquarters on Monday, December 1, as he officially assumed office. His appointment was announced on November 22, marking a return to the federation he previously served in various roles, including Media Officer and Head of Competitions. ALSO READ: Bonnie Mugabe appointed FERWAFA Secretary General He replaces Richard Mugisha, who had been combining the role with his responsibilities as federation’s Vice President in charge of Technical Affairs. Addressing staff for the first time, Mugabe stressed the need for efficiency and readiness to perform under pressure, saying the success of the federation depends heavily on an effective secretariat. They have given me my KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), but I will not be able to achieve any of them if I don’t have an effective general secretariat—I mean you. You’re the staff present here today and we are not planning to get others until we activate plan B which is to get out and bring in a new team, Mugabe said. So change your mindset, think big...we are going to work under pressure, if you are not ready to work under pressure, I am sorry to say, you will not be with me...it won’t work, he added. Mugabe also emphasized accountability as FERWAFA moves to shed a reputation long overshadowed by mismanagement scandals. The most recent case of former FA Secretary General Adolphe Kalisa, who is accused of misappropriating over $21,000 (about Rwf 30 million) is just an example of the many that shaped the house over the years. ALSO READ: What to know about ex-FERWAFA SG Kalisa’s trial “Whoever is involved in procurement, finance, or anything to do with money—make sure you are accountable and following procedures,” he warned. “No shortcuts, no bypasses. That is what will safeguard you and prevent unnecessary mismanagement issues.” He added that those unhappy with the federation’s new direction should reconsider their position. “If you are not happy to be in FERWAFA, then you’re in the wrong place. I would advise you to either change or resign.” A former sports journalist with The New Times, Mugabe was, until his appointment, working with world football governing body FIFA as the Venue Planning, Delivery and Security Operations Officer. He studied Football Governance and Management at the University of Leicester in England in a program offered in partnership with the CIES Institute and FIFA.
