Promising Rwandan goalkeeper Cedric Mutangwa has signed a one-year professional sponsorship agreement with renowned Belgian goalkeeper brand Elite Sport. The 18-year-old shot-stopper, who is currently developing his talent through the Tony Football Excellence Program (TFEP), earned the deal following an impressive 2025/26 season in which he helped Tony Football Academy secure promotion to Rwanda’s second division. The agreement includes an option for extension based on his future development and performances. Under the partnership, Mutangwa will use Elite Sport’s professional-grade goalkeeper gloves and equipment during both training sessions and competitive matches. The sponsorship makes Mutangwa the first Rwandan goalkeeper to join Elite Sport’s growing roster of internationally recognised shot-stoppers. He now joins a list of goalkeepers associated with the brand, including Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sá, former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Racing Club’s Gabriel Arias, Espanyol’s Marko Dmitrović, Inter Miami’s Óscar Ustari, Millonarios captain Álvaro Montero, Chivas Guadalajara’s Raúl Rangel and former Cameroon international Carlos Kameni. Elite Sport, which operates in 37 countries across five continents, said Mutangwa’s talent, mentality and performances convinced the company to invest in his development. “His performances last season demonstrated the composure, reflexes and ambition we look for in the goalkeepers we partner with,” the company said in a statement. “We are excited to support his journey and to officially welcome the first Rwandan goalkeeper into the Elite Sport family.” The company added that the partnership extends beyond supporting an individual player, describing it as part of a broader commitment to the development of goalkeeping talent in Rwanda and across Africa. Elite Sport also highlighted its support for the Tony Football Academy project, noting that nurturing young talents such as Mutangwa aligns with its vision of helping emerging goalkeepers reach the highest level of the game.
