The day, 16th January 2016 will remain scripted in the archives of Rwanda’s sporting books, to be specific on the football front.
On the momentous day, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, acting FIFA President and CAF maestro Issa Hayatou, Rwanda football federation officials led by the F.A boss Vincent Nzamwita, and thousands of fans witnessed the Orange Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) kick off at Amahoro stadium in the heart of Kigali.
The early morning rains across the mountainous country were indeed a blessing for the country that earned a hard fought victory at the hands of West African giants, Ivory Coast.
Rwanda has taken months to organize this event which is played for players who ply their trade in the respective domestic leagues.
The tournament itself was a great initiative in as far as recognizing local talent is concerned.
Since inception in 2009, many footballers have got a break through by the CHAN exposure.
The 4th edition being hosted by Rwanda is yet another plat-form to unearth raw and unpolished diamonds.
Rwanda has excelled in a few departments as regards the 2016 edition.
Early preparation of amenities and facilities (team hotels, training and playing venues) proved fruitful when the tourney kicked off on Saturday.
Fans’ mobilization for the tournament has been yet another area the organizers excelled in all the four host venues (Amahoro, Huye, Kigali Regional stadium and Umuganda in Rubavu).
On top of the media mileage for the tournament, football mad fans are aware of every moment happening moment with match tickets going for as low as Ug.shs 2000.
As early as 8 a.m on the opening day, fans had flocked the gates of Amahoro stadium ready to steer their country to glory, which materialized as they endlessly cheered every move with passion.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has scored highly with the expert organization of the volunteers.
Volunteers attached to the various departments love and execute their work with ease and freely.
The only grey area as per day one could have been in the shaky internet especially outside the media zone.
All said and heard, Rwanda is on right track, ready to bid for bigger championships as AFCON and All African Games.
