Outgoing Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema Ngoga has vowed to remain an active supporter of Rwandan football despite stepping down from the federation’s top position, expressing confidence that Amavubi can qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
"I am not leaving football behind. I will continue attending matches and supporting Amavubi in different circumstances. I believe we will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Let us continue developing our football and enjoying the game,” Shema said on Thursday, October 29.
His remarks came during a leadership handover ceremony at FERWAFA headquarters, where he officially transferred responsibilities to Claudine Gasarabwe, who will serve as interim president until the Extraordinary Elective General Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
Reflecting on his time in office, Shema thanked the General Assembly, the Ministry of Sports, FIFA, CAF, CECAFA, members of the Executive Committee, federation staff, coaches, players, referees and football supporters for their contribution to the development of the game.
The outgoing president Fabrice Ngoga Shema officially transferring responsibilities to Claudine Gasarabwe, who will serve as interim president until the Extraordinary Elective General Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
During the ceremony, Shema reflected on his tenure and thanked the various stakeholders who supported him in advancing Rwandan football.
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Although stepping down from the federation’s top position, Shema stressed that he would remain actively involved as a supporter of the game
"I thank everyone who supported me in carrying out my responsibilities. Rwandan football is making visible progress, and as a country, we should continue building on what we have achieved,” he said.
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Taking over the reins, Gasarabwe paid tribute to her predecessor for his contribution to the development of football in Rwanda and pledged to build on the progress already registered under the current administration.
She said the programme on which the federation leadership was elected would remain a priority, while improvements would be introduced where necessary to further advance the game.
"The project we were elected to implement is one we will not abandon. Where necessary, we will refine it for the benefit of Rwandan football. Last year, we achieved positive results, and we want to build on that progress,” Gasarabwe said.
She also called for unity, professionalism, and accountability among football stakeholders as the federation seeks to strengthen its operations and continue raising standards across the sport.
"What is required of us is to remain united, uphold professionalism, improve the quality of our work and embrace accountability,” she said.
Gasarabwe will lead FERWAFA on an interim basis until the Extraordinary Elective General Assembly slated for January 2027.
Shema was released on September 22 after spending about 42 days in detention. Following an agreement with the prosecution, he received a six-month suspended sentence, to be served over a one-year probation period.
Shema was elected FERWAFA president in August 2025 for a four-year term. His tenure, however, has ended prematurely following the legal challenges that emerged during his time in office.
His departure leaves FERWAFA facing the task of managing a leadership transition as the federation seeks to maintain stability and continue implementing its football development agenda.