In Rwanda, we have never witnessed a testimonial match to honor a legend. It's right about time for that to change, and if ever there were a case for a testimonial match, this is it. When a sportsman/woman (in this case a footballer) gives their heart, talent and youth to the game for nearly two decades, the sport owes them more than a quiet farewell. It owes him gratitude, celebration and a fitting send-off. ALSO READ: Niyonzima confirms farewell football match after retirement That said. First things first. Testimonials are not handed out lightly. They are reserved for the loyal servants, the icons who give their prime years to the badge and leave an indelible mark on supporters. It's for a special class of players. As news filters through that former Rwanda captain Haruna Niyonzima has brought the curtain down on his illustrious playing career, the conversation should not be whether he merits a testimonial match — but when it will be organised. It has never been done before in Rwanda but it doesn't mean it can never be done. It was always going to be a matter of time and maybe, a deserving individual (player). For nearly two decades, Niyonzima defined consistency and commitment in Rwandan football. From his senior debut for Amavubi in 2006 to his emotional international farewell, he accumulated a record 110 caps for his country. That figure alone places him in an exclusive category. In November 2021, he became the first Rwandan to join the prestigious FIFA Century Club after surpassing 100 international appearances — a milestone that speaks volumes about longevity, discipline and elite performance. One hundred and ten caps is not a routine achievement. It represents years of dedication, fitness and mental resilience. It means surviving coaching changes, generational transitions and tactical shifts. It means earning trust repeatedly. In a footballing landscape where careers are often shortened by injuries, loss of form or off-field distractions, Niyonzima endured — and excelled, and I must admit that I have been privileged to know him, both at professional and personal level. This guy epitomises all. He is an unassuming, and loves to live his life happily. Despite his status, he never forgets his roots. He's never run away to leave in Europe or America like so many of his peers. He connects with fans like no other ex-international. A True Legend. While testimonial matches traditionally honour players who spend a decade or more at a single club, football evolves, and so too should the criteria for appreciation. Niyonzima may not have spent 10 uninterrupted years at one domestic side, but his service to Rwandan football as a whole surpasses that benchmark. At club level, he featured for Etincelles FC, Rayon Sports, APR FC and AS Kigali—institutions that shape the identity of the domestic game. The rivalry between APR FC and Rayon Sports FC, particularly during the late-2000s, demanded excellence of the highest order. Add Atraco to the mix and the competition was fierce. Only the strongest personalities and most gifted players could remain relevant year after year. Haruna did just that. He did not only outlast his peers but also outperformed them all! His talent also travelled beyond Rwanda’s borders. He turned out for Tanzanian heavyweights Young Africans SC and Simba SC as well as Libya’s Al-Ta'awon SC — clubs with enormous followings and intense expectations. Such moves were not only personal milestones but statements about the quality Rwanda could produce. Every time he stepped onto foreign soil, he carried the nation’s footballing pride with him. In Dar es Salam, on and off the field, Haruna was a big star. I witnessed it first, I read about it, and I know what I am talking about. Yet statistics and club lists tell only part of the story. Niyonzima’s true value lay in his character. Nicknamed “Fabregas” (ex-Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain player) for his vision and composure in midfield, he brought intelligence and calm authority to every side he represented. He could dictate tempo, shield the backline and launch attacks with equal ease. More importantly, he did so with humility. He was an entertainer, too, and fans love(d) him with passion. At his peak, he was unplayable. Season after season, he remained reliable, coaches trusted him. Teammates leaned on him. Most importantly, fans believed in him. And he would deliver, quite more often than not. As captain of the Rwanda national team, he embodied leadership during transitional periods. Younger players entering the national setup found in him a mentor and example. His humility and understanding of his background, made his relationship with fans so special and different from majority of his peers. His professionalism—maintaining peak fitness well into his thirties—set a benchmark for aspiring footballers. While many of his contemporaries faded due to injuries or declining standards, he remained dependable. Importantly, his relationship with supporters has remained intact. There has been no dramatic fallout, no bitterness. Even when reflecting on his international retirement, he admitted he wished for a proper farewell match—a final moment shared with fans who stood by him for years. That wish should resonate with the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and the local clubs that benefited from his service. A testimonial match would not merely be ceremonial. It would be symbolic — a celebration of commitment in an era where loyalty, and longevity in elite sport is increasingly rare. Testimonials historically provided financial security at a time when football wages were modest. Today, they serve an additional purpose: honouring legacy and strengthening the bond between generations. A Niyonzima testimonial could bring together former teammates, rivals and protégés for one unforgettable evening. Imagine APR and Rayon legends lining up alongside current stars, united in applause for a player who gave so much to both sides of the rivalry. African society, sport or otherwise, too often waits until heroes are gone to fully appreciate them. Recognition should come while the individual can still feel the warmth of those showing/sharing the love. Niyonzima, going by the initial murmuring, is transitioning into coaching, ready to shape the next generation. What better inspiration for young footballers than to witness a stadium rise in gratitude for sustained excellence? One hundred and ten international caps. The first Rwandan in the FIFA Century Club. A captain, leader and role model. By any standard or measurement, that is not a mean achievement. If testimonials are about loyalty, impact and lasting contribution, then Haruna has already ticked every box. Now it is up to Rwandan football to deliver the farewell he has earned.
