Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) Secretary General Bonnie Mugabe says the country is ready to host a successful 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifying tournament, drawing on its recent experience staging major international competitions. The tournament will run from August 21-31 at two venues—Kigali Pelé Stadium and the FERWAFA Technical Centre in Remera. ALSO READ: Mafunzo Queens optimistic ahead of Women's Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference in Kigali on Wednesday, Mugabe said all preparations were in place to ensure the competition meets the required standards. “We are prepared to host a successful tournament. We have just concluded the CECAFA Kagame Cup, which was also hosted here in Kigali, and we believe we can deliver the same level of organisation for the Women’s Champions League qualifiers,” he said. “We have hosted different competitions, including the FIFA Series, and we have shown that Rwanda has the capacity to organise tournaments of this level. We are ready to welcome the teams and ensure they have a good experience here.” Mugabe clarified that, unlike the CECAFA Kagame Cup—which Rwanda will host for three consecutive editions — the country will only stage this year’s Women’s Champions League regional qualifiers. “This is the only edition of the Women’s competition that Rwanda will host. We will not have three consecutive editions like we are doing with the Kagame Cup,” he said. Rwanda will be represented by Rayon Sports WFC, who reached the final of last year’s regional qualifiers. Nikita Velverde Gicanda, FERWAFA Commissioner for Women’s Football Development, believes the Rwandan champions have a strong chance of going all the way this year. “Rayon Sports have good chances. They reached the final last year, so they know what it takes to compete at this level. We believe they can go one step further this year and win the competition,” she said. The tournament winner will earn the CECAFA Zone’s sole ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
