Fidele Gatete is a household name in Rwandan amputee football— a reputation he built through determination, perseverance, and years of hard work. His journey began in a tragedy. As a child, Gatete lost his left leg in a grenade attack during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He was only eight years old, orphaned, and drifting into isolation. Yet from that darkness, he found a new path and a renewed sense of purpose. What once seemed impossible for a boy coping with loss and disability would eventually become a remarkable achievement; Gatete would rise to become Rwanda’s first professional amputee footballer, earning an opportunity to play in Turkey. ALSO READ: Rwanda bids to host 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup “I learned that everyone reaches a point of low effort, but what makes someone willing to win is seeking help from neighbours, working with purpose, and believing that whether you are disabled or not, the right things will happen in your life,” Gatete told Times Sport. Born the eldest of three children, Gatete grew up in Nyanza District in Southern Province. Like many children, he practiced football daily — until his life changed in the early years of primary school when the Genocide left him permanently disabled. “It is a terrible picture that I don’t even remember clearly, but life had to continue afterward,” he recalled. He returned to school at Gatagara Primary, an institution serving children with disabilities. It was there that he found healing, confidence, and community. “I saw many other kids like me. I realized I wasn’t the only one, which helped me avoid isolation,” he said. Now 28, Gatete completed both primary and secondary studies at Gatagara, where he continued nurturing his passion for football. ALSO READ: Dominique Bizimana returns to Paralympic Committee office after 13 years Football soon became his refuge—a source of comfort, friendship, and normalcy. Still, the challenges were unavoidable, especially the constant fear of injuring himself while playing. With time and resilience, however, he adapted, and the game became part of his healing. A major turning point came in 2015 when the Rwanda Amputee Football Association (RAFA) was established, bringing together teams from eight districts and creating a structured pathway for athletes with disabilities to play football professionally. Gatete joined Musanze, the first team of his career. Over time, more teams joined, and in 2019, Rwanda participated in the CECAFA Amputee Football Tournament in Tanzania. The tournament featured six nations — Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zanzibar, Uganda, and Tanzania. Gatete, then playing as a midfielder for Musanze, received a call-up to the national team and was eventually named team captain, something he described as an “unexpected blessing.” During the tournament, he scored three goals and delivered six assists. His standout performance helped Rwanda clinch its first East African Amputee Football Trophy. “At the time, our match in Tanzania was streamed live, and that exposure showcased my talent. That’s when I first received a phone call from a Turkish team offering me a chance to do more,” he recalled. In 2022, Gatete, alongside his national teammate Patrick Imanirutabyose — both selected by RAFA — signed for Pendik Belediyesi, a club competing in the first division of the Turkish Amputee Football League, becoming the first Rwandans to play professional amputee football. ALSO READ: Rwandan duo enjoying pro stint in Turkey The achievement was monumental — but the reality on the ground in Turkey came with challenges. The language barrier was immediate, and adapting to a new squad felt like stepping into an entirely different world. “We had a one-month trial at the club, and afterward we were granted a place, even though it wasn’t guaranteed. On my side, it took more energy to prove how capable and reliable I was to my teammates,” Gatete said. After two seasons with Pendik, Gatete signed for Malatya Büyükşehir Belediyesi, the club he currently represents. With his new side, he went on to lift the 2024/25 Turkish Amputee Football League first-division title — one of the biggest milestones of his career. Despite his progress, Gatete has never forgotten his longtime teammate Imanirutabyose. The two remain close, stay in frequent contact, and even schedule their trips back to Rwanda around the same period. He credits much of his growth to his first club, Musanze. “Musanze gave me the foundation. It was among the top teams in our discipline and was technically strong. I think without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. Gatete dream to one day see Rwanda compete at the Amputee Football World Cup. He believes that, with increased funding, Rwanda could unlock its full potential in the sport. “Rwanda has huge talent, but the resources are limited. Even basic equipment is still not enough for the athletes,” he added. Apart from football, Gatete also plays sitting volleyball.
