Why you should vote wisely

As the Rwanda Football Association members prepare to elect a new chairman on Sunday, the Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali has urged the electorate to make the best choice as the next leader has too much expected of him.The five presidential aspirants include; incumbent interim president Célestin Ntagungira from Rayon Sports, vice president Raoul Gisanura Ngenzi from Gasabo United, Jean-Daniel Mbanda from Unity Club, Augustin Munyandamutsa from SEC Academy as well as Vincent De Gaulle Nzabamwita from Intare FC.Mitali said that the voting members have to be careful and elect someone who will lead Rwandan football to another level.“They have to vote someone who knows the game and who will help our country to go to another level. They (electorates) must put aside personal sentiments and vote wisely,” urged the minister. “It is not only about presidential aspirants but other positions too because they all are working together and they have to be fair and see one, who will help to raise the level of our football.”Other candidates standing for the other positions include; Etincelles FC Chairman Védaste Kayiranga,who is unopposed for the post of vice president in charge of administration and should he win, he will be making his second appearance in the executive committee.The post of the head of Finance is being contested by Rayon Sports’ Olivier Gakwaya and Appolinaire Mpilikanyi from (ARAF), who are seeking to replace the incumbent Bernard Itangishaka from United Academy.The communication and Marketing Commission has Patrick Rubega Kagabo (Pépinière Kinyinya), incumbent Richard Gahonzire (APR) and Nosisi Toussaint (SC Kiyovu).AS Kigali’s Albert Mwanafunzi is unopposed for the competitions committee chairman, while Félicité Rwamalika put in her candidature for the head of women football commission.The Youth football commission, which is a crucial department for the next Federation president in terms of future aspirations, is being fought for by ASPOR’s Maurice Munyandumutsa and Jacques Kayisire. Félicien Bandora from Gasabo United is standing unopposed on the Disciplinary Commission.Safari Mukiga Rutagengwa from Gasabo United and incumbent Emmanuel Ndagijimana from SC Kiyovu are vying for the Legal Commission, while Amavubi Stars team doctor Moussa Hakizimana, who is being seconded by AEFR, is unopposed for the in-charge of the medical commission.However, after the Ministry of Sports and Rwanda National Olympic Committee cut off all forms of sponsorships for the federations and associations without legal statutes effective December, 31, 2013.Consequently, the elected members will first try to solve Ferwafa’s problem of legal statutes after the elections because if not, it will affect the national teams as Ferwafa is the body in charge of national teams, while the government, through the ministry of sports provides the financial support.