In the heart of Rabat, where the FIFA African Office now beats as a hub of football dreams, a meeting unfolded between two leaders of the game. Today the 19th September 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the newly elected FERWAFA President, Shema Ngoga Fabrice, to a table where visions were shared and hopes exchanged. 

Their dialogue stretched wide from the roots of Rwandan football, sprouting in grassroots pitches, to the ambitions of youth competitions, and the high standards of governance that must carry the game forward.

Infantino assured with conviction: “The African office is here to work closely with federations, to listen to your challenges and to assist you in finding tangible solutions.”

Through the Rabat hub, opened in July as FIFA’s African base, he promised both technical expertise and financial support to help Rwanda move faster on its football journey.

For President Shema, the encounter was more than formal diplomacy, it was inspiration. “It was a great opportunity to present Rwanda’s football development agenda,” he said,

“And I was amazed by the President’s reaction and his commitment to help us accelerate towards fruitful results.”

He also pledged collaboration, not only for Rwanda’s sake, but for the global game: “FERWAFA will work hand in hand with FIFA, contributing to the world football agenda in full alignment with the vision of its leadership.”

The Rabat office, now a crossroads of dialogue, promises to host more sessions with member associations, a platform to fast-track football development and bring Africa’s game closer to its potential.

And in that room, one could feel it, the pulse of the continent’s game, growing stronger with every promise made.