The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), in partnership with the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), officially launched a two-day Media Workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of Media Officers and sports journalists in covering, reporting, and managing football-related communication.
Held at the FERWAFA Headquarters, the workshop brought together Media Officers from Rwanda Premier League (RPL) clubs and members of the Rwanda Sports Journalists Association, providing them with both theoretical and practical training to boost professionalism and collaboration between football teams and the media.
The workshop was officially opened by FERWAFA President, Mr. Alphonse Munyantwali, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in sports media.
“Football is growing, and communication must grow with it,” Mr. Munyantwali said. “I urge all participants to remain eager to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge. This workshop is an opportunity not to be taken lightly.”
The FERWAFA President also extended gratitude to CECAFA for facilitating the training and for their ongoing support in capacity building within the region.
“We are grateful to CECAFA for their unwavering support. These initiatives are not only empowering individuals but are also uplifting the standards of football administration in our region,” he added.”
The workshop is being facilitated by Mr. Andrew Oryada, CECAFA’s Head of Marketing and Media, a seasoned media professional with vast experience in African football communication.
“Our goal is to bridge the communication gap between clubs and the media, and to ensure Media Officers become effective channels for transparent and engaging football coverage,” Mr. Oryada stated during the opening session. “The role of a Media Officer is no longer passive, it’s strategic, and it requires proper training.”
The first day of the workshop focused on classroom-based learning, including modules on match-day communication planning, media management, content creation, and digital engagement. On day two, participants will head to Amahoro Stadium for practical exercises focused on live media operations and press coordination during football matches.
Participants expressed appreciation for the timely and relevant training.
Miss Claire Mutoni, Media Officer at APR FC, remarked on the value of the sessions, “This is very useful for our work. As Media Officers, we needed this kind of knowledge to properly manage the communication circuits within our clubs and strengthen our relations with the media.”
The workshop marks another step in FERWAFA’s ongoing commitment to professionalizing football structures in Rwanda and creating a more collaborative and informed football ecosystem.