Gicumbi: Joy and Excitement Over Victory in the Umurenge Kagame Cup 2024-2025 Regional Tournament

The opening matches of the tournament took place at the Rwamiko Football Field in Cyeru Village, Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District. On the women's side, the match was between Cyuve Sector's team from Musanze District, while the men's match was an exciting encounter between Kimonyi Sector from Musanze District and Rwamiko Sector from Gicumbi District.

The event saw a large turnout, with spectators present from the beginning until the end of the matches.

During the official opening of the Umurenge Kagame Cup 2024-2025 for the Northern Province, Ngendahimana Pascal, the Executive Secretary of the Northern Province, praised the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for initiating the tournament. He encouraged the community to avoid negative behaviors and instead embrace activities that promote development.

He said, “I sincerely thank the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for establishing the Umurenge Kagame Cup, which aims to promote good governance and put citizens at the forefront. I commend the participation of the people of Rwamiko Sector and the teams that have come to compete. I urge the people of the Northern Province, Gicumbi District, and Rwamiko Sector to stay away from harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, conflict, and other vices. Instead, we should follow all government programs and collaborate with leadership for our collective development. We are here today because of the value these games hold. I congratulate the winning teams, and those who did not win will have the opportunity to try again.”

The people of Rwamiko Sector spoke with Iwacupress.com, expressing their joy and excitement over their team's victory. They affirmed that they would continue to support the team, hoping for further success in upcoming matches.

Kayitanga Aimable shared, "I’m very happy that we won against Kimonyi Sector's team 2-0. Our team made us proud and trained well. We will continue supporting them so they can win the remaining matches and even take the national cup."

Uwingabire Patricie added, “I would like to thank the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for bringing us the Umurenge Kagame Cup. Apart from the joy and reunion with friends and family, we’ve received a message to avoid bad actions and instead focus on promoting good practices, which will help us reach development. I will use the message I received and share it with others who couldn't attend."

In the midst of the joy and excitement, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, expressed his appreciation for the President and the Rwamiko men's football team for bringing pride to the district he leads, assuring them of continued support.

He said, “I sincerely thank the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for the creation of the Umurenge Kagame Cup. I commend the dedication of the Rwamiko men's team and the leadership of the sector and partners. You performed well and brought us victory today. I encourage you to keep preparing for the upcoming matches, and as the district leadership, we will continue to support you.”

Mayor Nzabonimpa confirmed that the winning teams deserved their victory, as they had performed well throughout the tournament.

On the women's side, the Cyuve Sector team from Musanze District won 3-0 against the Nyankenke Sector team from Gicumbi District, while Rwamiko Sector's men’s team won 2-0 against Kimonyi Sector’s team from Musanze.

Meanwhile, the Nemba Sector women's team from Burera District won 1-0 against the Mbogo Sector women's team from Rulindo, and the Base Sector men's team from Gicumbi District triumphed 3-0 over the Kirambo Sector men's team in the preliminary matches of the Umurenge Kagame Cup 2024-2025 at the Northern Province level.

Written by Ngendahimana Jean Pierre.