Tharcisse Kamanda was on Sunday evening elected president of the Rwandan Rugby Federation for the next four years. Kamanda was elected unopposed garnering seven out of seven votes cast. However, two clubs, Thousand Hill and Remera Buffaloes, refused to participate in the elections arguing they wanted the poll to be postponed to a future date instead of holding it during a general assembly. Kamanda, a former secretary-general of the federation, replaces Alex Araire, who did not seek a second term. Philipp Gakirage, of Remera Buffaloes, was elected the vice president unopoosed (7/7 votes), while Delphine Ihirwe retained the position of treasurur. Araire urged clubs that are yet to get legal status to register with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) as soon as possible and the asked the newly elected committee to make this one of their major objectives. In his acceptance speech, Kamanda thanked his immediate predecessor for a job well done and pledged to work tirelessly to deliver during his tenure. He promised to promote capacity building both at the federation and club level. “I look forward to promoting and develop the sport in all corners of Rwanda, especially by focusing on talent detection in schools and tertiary institutions “because that is where we can get future rugby players and administrators.” Alex Sharangabo, the secretary-general of the National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC), observed the exercise. Speaking on behalf of Rugby Africa, Bosco Muwanba, who is the regional development officer covering eight countries, called on the new team to work hard to develop the sport in the country. “Rugby Rwanda should work with the National Olympic Committee so that you can benefit from Olympic Solidarity Fund, just like other countries in the region, such as DR Congo and Ghana, that have improved their rugby,” he said. Meanwhile, the assembly welcomed the newly formed Tiger of Burera rugby club as a new member of the federation. The event was held in Remera, Kigali. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
