Rwanda was defeated by Mozambique, on Sunday, June 18, shattering our hopes of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). This serves as a reminder of the challenges we face in achieving lasting success in international sports, particularly football. Our national teams in various sports including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics have been underperforming. ALSO READ: Mozambique end Rwanda’s AFCON 2023 qualification hopes In May, Kigali hosted the Basketball African League, Africa's premier men's basketball league. Despite the hype and expectations, our team, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), failed to make it past the first day of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. ALSO READ: Five things to remember about BAL playoffs in Kigali In the June 11 Kigali International Peace Marathon, Kenya dominated the event, taking home all the medals. In 2021, Rwanda hosted the African Volleyball Championship, and the results were not favorable, highlighting the need for a quick answer to our long-standing sports underperformance. One federation that stands out for doing things right is the Cricket Federation. They recognized the importance of introducing the sport in schools and have achieved remarkable results in a short span of time. ALSO READ: Rwanda women shine at ICC Development Awards Cycling also holds potential for improvement if the federation is given sufficient resources to acquire modern bicycles, provide better allowances for cyclists, and arrange international training camps. There is promise in this area. Let's focus on the positive side of things. Although recent setbacks are disheartening, they provide opportunities for reflection and growth. By drawing inspiration from successful small nations with similar or smaller populations like Cabo Verde, Togo, Gabon, Gambia, Jamaica, Croatia, Belgium, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Denmark, Serbia, Sweden, Iceland, and Portugal, we can pave the way toward sustained success on the grandest stages of African football. In this piece, I want to explore key concepts that the Rwandan Government and sports federations should embrace to increase our chances of competing in major sports tournaments. Investing in youth development Successful sporting nations prioritize long-term strategies instead of relying solely on short-term goals. A crucial pillar of success for smaller nations lies in their investment in youth development. Unfortunately, we neglected this aspect. Discontinuing inter-school championships, for instance, has proven counterproductive. We must remember the U-17 program that once took our young talents to the FIFA World Cup. ALSO READ: Where are the stars who guided Rwanda to the FIFA U-17 World Cup? Negligible preparations, like the brief training period before the U-17 CECAFA regional tournament, undermine our chances. To rectify this, federations and the Ministry of Sports should establish a robust grassroots program that includes structured coaching, infrastructure development, and talent identification systems. Emphasizing technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical development will lay a strong foundation for future success. Developing a competitive local league Strong domestic leagues are crucial for the success of any sporting nation. Rwanda should strive to create highly competitive and professionally-run sports leagues that provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and develop their game. Enhancing the quality, organization, and marketing of our domestic leagues is essential. This can be achieved by attracting investment, securing sponsorships, and promoting healthy rivalries among clubs. By investing in infrastructure, marketing, and fan engagement, we can create an attractive league that motivates players and encourages talented Rwandan athletes to stay in the country. Embracing quality sports journalism Quality sports journalism plays a vital role in promoting and popularizing football. By fostering a vibrant sports media landscape, we can amplify the exposure of Rwandan football and create enthusiasm among fans. Nevertheless, it is crucial for media professionals to strike a balance between accountability and support for players. Constructive criticism without breaking their spirit is key to creating a positive sports landscape. Establishing partnerships and exposure Successful small nations have demonstrated the importance of forging partnerships with more established sporting nations to enhance player development. In the case of Rwanda, it is crucial to seek opportunities for collaboration and exchange programs with countries like Croatia, Belgium, and our African peers Morocco and Kenya or Jamaica in the realm of football and Athletics, respectively. Such partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, training methods, and coaching expertise, providing our players with exposure to international standards of football. Furthermore, participation in regional and international competitions will enable Rwandan players to gain invaluable experience, build confidence, and raise their profiles on the global stage. Rwanda can draw inspiration from the success of Iceland, a nation with a population comparable to that of Kigali. Iceland actively promotes the export of its football talent to high-profile leagues across Europe, allowing players to gain exposure and improve their skills. It is commendable that Rwanda has already established partnerships with professional clubs, both domestically and internationally, to facilitate the transfer of promising players. ALSO READ: Young Rwandan heroes return home after PSG football glory The Visit Rwanda Program with European top-flight clubs such as Arsenal and PSG is a positive development. Notably, our boys excelled in the PSG Academy World Cup in the U-11 and U-13 categories. However, it is essential to consider whether we have the means to track the progress of these players as they advance through the ranks. Investing in infrastructure and facilities Infrastructure is a critical aspect that Rwanda needs to address. Building state-of-the-art training facilities and stadiums not only enhances the country's image but also provides a conducive environment for player development. ALSO READ: Inside the construction of Rwanda’s ultra-modern stadium Additionally, it attracts international teams for friendly matches and tournaments, contributing to the growth of Rwandan football. Developing world-class coaching and infrastructure Countries like Croatia, Belgium, Iceland, and Morocco have achieved success by investing in world-class coaching and infrastructure. Rwanda should follow suit by providing coaching education programs to develop skilled coaches who can mentor and guide young talents. Modern training facilities, well-maintained pitches, and state-of-the-art stadiums are vital for fostering player development and attracting international attention. Supporting sports science and analytics The application of sports science and analytics has revolutionized modern football. Rwanda should invest in these areas, providing access to cutting-edge technology, data analysis, and sports medicine. Utilizing these tools will give our national team a competitive edge in terms of physical conditioning, game strategies, and injury prevention. Amavubi's recent disappointment in the AFCON qualifying campaign should serve as a catalyst for change and ambition. By adopting strategies from successful small nations in football, Athletics, Volleyball, Basketball, and many other games, Rwanda can build a solid foundation for sustained success in major sports tournaments. With commitment, determination, and adequate resources, Rwanda can look forward to brighter days in African and global football. The writer is a communication professional and sports enthusiast.
