President Kagame and CAF President Motsepe unveiled the newly refurbished ultra-modern Amahoro Stadium, now equipped to host CAF and FIFA matches and capable of accommodating 45,000 spectators.
On July 1, 2024, at Remera, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda inaugurated the newly renovated Amahoro stadium in front of a capacity crowd of 45,000. The ceremony featured a special invitation to Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Amahoro, which underwent extensive renovations starting in February 2022, has seen significant structural changes encompassing the pitch, seating, capacity, design, and integration of modern technologies to meet the standards set by the World Football governing body.
Managed under the contract of renowned Turkish constructors, SUMMA, the project operated around the clock to meet the original deadline of July 4th, coinciding with Rwanda’s Liberation Day. However, completion ahead of schedule prompted the government of Rwanda to bring forward the opening ceremony to July 1st, avoiding scheduling conflicts with the originally planned date of July 4th.
During the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), praised the newly revamped facility as among the finest not only in Africa but also globally. He emphasized the pride Rwandans and Africans should feel, crediting President Kagame for delivering such a remarkable stadium.
He said, “This is one of the best stadiums in Africa and the world. We, as Rwandans and Africans, should be proud and thank President Kagame for giving us such a stadium.”
Dr. Motsepe also expressed his aspiration to witness Rwanda’s national team compete against top African teams on a prestigious stage. He underscored Rwanda’s potential to excel, emphasizing the country’s talent and its pathway to becoming one of the leading teams in African football.
“The next time I come here, I want to see the Rwandan team play against the best teams on the African continent. With the available talent and the way to improve talent, Rwanda will definitely win. Rwanda will win, and Rwanda will be one of the best teams on the African continent.” The CAF President added
In his keynote address, the head of state, the visionary behind the stadium expansion project, credited the President of CAF and FIFA, Gianni Infantino, for inspiring Rwanda to undertake the stadium’s reconstruction.
He stated, “Let me thank the President of CAF, my brother Patrice Motsepe, together with another brother President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. The two inspired us to put up a good sporting facility for football like this one.”
He continued, emphasizing their support for Rwanda and other African nations in enhancing football infrastructure.
“They have done many things to support Rwanda and brotherly African countries to raise the kind of football through availing this kind of facility to many countries so that young people of Africa can have where to develop and exercise the huge talent we have on our continent.” Said the President of the Republic of Rwanda
The President also highlighted the stadium’s role in retaining talented individuals within Africa, stating
“This will lead to more retention of our best talent instead of exporting them all the time.”
Following the opening ceremony, APR FC, the reigning champions of the Rwanda Football League, and Police FC, the current holders of the Peace Cup, played the inaugural game at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium. The match ended with APR FC winning 1-0, making them the first team to secure a victory at the refurbished venue.
Gilbert Mugisha will be remembered as the first goal scorer at the new Amahoro Stadium.
Originally constructed between 1982 and 1987 with an estimated capacity of 25,000 (exact seating was not confirmed), Amahoro Stadium underwent extensive renovations starting in 2022.
Today, the state-of-the-art stadium boasts a seating capacity of 45,000 and has been certified to host all CAF and FIFA competitions, meeting all minimum requirements set by CAF for such matches.
