As Rwanda marks Heroes Day on February 1, sport takes centre stage across multiple disciplines, blending competition with national remembrance. From the Heroes Day football and volleyball tournaments to continental handball finals, CAF Champions League action and grassroots cycling, fans are in for a thrilling weekend. ALSO READ: Tracing the stars who guided Rwanda to FIFA U17 World Cup Times Sport presents to you the top sporting events not to miss this weekend. Football Football action peaks on Sunday evening with the final of the 2026 Heroes Cup, pitting title holders APR FC against Police FC at Amahoro Stadium. The tournament brought together the top four teams from the 2024/25 Rwanda Premier League season: APR FC, Police FC, Rayon Sports and AS Kigali. APR edged Rayon Sports via penalties in the semi-finals, while Police FC booked their place with a commanding 3–0 victory over AS Kigali. ALSO READ: Byiringiro’s penalty sends Police FC into Heroes Cup final The final showdown will kick off at 6pm, with silverware and pride on the line. Volleyball Volleyball festivities will unfold at Petit Stade, where the Heroes Cup continues in both men’s and women’s categories, with Kepler VC (men) and Police WVC (women) defending their titles. Action begins on Saturday at 1pm, with APR WVC facing Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). RRA returned to competition after a one-week break, following their recent loss to Police WVC on January 16. ALSO READ: French coach Frederic Guérin edges closer to Rwanda job At 3pm, women’s title holders Police WVC take on Kepler WVC, before attention shifts to the men’s category. Police VC, enduring a difficult run this season, face Gisagara VC, a side they have yet to defeat since the 2025/26 campaign began. The day concludes with a heavyweight clash at 9pm, as APR VC lock horns with Kepler VC. CAF Champions League: Al Hilal host Sundowns in Kigali Continental football returns to Kigali on Friday night, as Al Hilal of Sudan host Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Champions League group-stage encounter at Amahoro Stadium, kicking off at 9pm. Al Hilal come into the fixture in fine form, sitting top of the Rwanda Premier League standings with 35 points and fresh from earning a valuable 2–2 away draw against Sundowns in Pretoria. ALSO READ: Reghecampf admits unbeaten Al Hilal are in ‘group of death’ Sundowns currently lead the group, followed by FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in third with four points, while MC Alger sit bottom with one point. Handball: Egypt and Tunisia to battle for continental crown After a week of intense competition involving 16 African nations, the 2026 Men’s Handball Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Saturday at BK Arena. Defending champions Egypt, chasing a record-extending 10th title, will face Tunisia, who reached the final after eliminating Algeria. ALSO READ: Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Cape Verde qualify for World Championship Youth Racing Cup returns in Bugesera Grassroots cycling also makes a return this weekend with the Youth Racing Cup, targeting riders aged 12 to 19, getting underway on Saturday at Field of Dreams in Bugesera District. The monthly race has previously covered Rwamagana, Rubavu, Musanze, Bugesera and Kigali, with Karongi and Huye added to the 2026 calendar.Saturday’s competition will feature five age categories: Pupilles (U11), Benjamins (U13), Minimes (U15), Cadets (U17), and Juniors (U19). Pacifique Byusa of Les Amis Sportifs and Gisèle Nishimwe of Cine Elmay Cycling Club are the reigning overall champions from the 2025 season.
