AS Kigali has officially changed the name of its men’s football team to Kigali FC, bringing an end to more than two decades under the AS Kigali identity.

The rebranding was approved by the club’s Extraordinary General Assembly held in Kigali on Sunday, August 16.

Founded in 1999, the club has undergone several identity changes over the years. It was initially known as Les Citadins, a name that became closely associated with the Kigali City-backed side before the club later adopted the AS Kigali name following the merger of Les Citadins and Renaissance.

The General Assembly also approved the integration of the women’s team into the club’s structure and renamed it Kigali Women Football Club.

Leadership changes

The meeting also endorsed changes to the club’s leadership.

Members accepted the resignation of Vice President Anne-Lise Alida Kankindi, who stepped down on July 16, and elected Clarisse Uwimana as her successor.

Uwimana is a sports journalist and former top-flight footballer who played for several clubs, including APR WFC and AS Kigali.

The assembly also approved Alffred Nduwayezu, Gertrude Urujeni and Patricie Murekatete as new members of the club’s Supreme Organ.

The newly rebranded Kigali FC has grown into one of Rwanda’s established football clubs, regularly competing among the country’s top sides and representing Rwanda in continental competitions.

Although the club has never won the Rwanda Premier League title, it has enjoyed considerable success in knockout competitions.

AS Kigali won its first Peace Cup title in 2001, while still competing as Les Citadins, before adding further triumphs in 2013, 2019 and 2022.

The club has also won the Rwanda Super Cup twice, in 2013 and 2022, further establishing itself as a competitive force in domestic football.

On the women’s side, the club has been among Rwanda’s most successful teams, winning the Women’s Football League on multiple occasions and playing an important role in the development of women’s football in the country.