Calls grow for more efforts to develop women football

AS Kigali Women FC coach Grace Ninyawumuntu has urged the local football governing body (FERWAFA) to lay down more strategies to develop the women’s league in a bid to uplift women football in the country. Nyinawumuntu, who is also the head coach for the national women team, has decried the state of the women national league that her team has dominated for the last eight seasons. “In Rwanda we don’t lack women football talents, not at all. However, the main problem is that room for development for such players and teams in general is still lacking,” said Nyinawumuntu in an interview with Times Sport. She noted that, “It’s difficult to have a competitive and strong league without a sponsor. I hope FERWAFA makes this a priority, to strike a deal for women league sponsorship, this will help develop our teams and football, otherwise the future is bleak.” The women football league was formed in 2008, with APR winning the first title in 2009; however; since then, it has been AS Kigali, who have won it it year in year out. In a separate interview with the head of women football in FERWAFA, Felicite Rwemalika, she disclosed that; “We’re aware of that issue and we have tried our best to find sponsors; however, it’s not easy because many of these sponsors prefer sponsoring the men’s league instead.” “But we also urge districts, and provinces where many of these teams come from to support them, AS Kigali has dominated the league not because they have better players but because they are fully supported by the City of Kigali, so others should also do the same,” said Rwemalika. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Calls grow for more efforts to develop women football