FERWAFA has reiterated its strong commitment to supporting structured grassroots football development initiatives, as emphasized by the Commissioner in charge of Development and Technical Matters, Mr. Fidele Kanamugire, during the official launch of Iwacu Academy on Thursday, 2 January 2026, at Byimana Pitch in Ruhango District.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner Kanamugire described the initiative as “deeply moving and emotionally touching”, praising Rwanda National Team defender Mr. Ange Mutsinzi, popularly known as Jimmy, for choosing to give back to the community where his football journey began.
“It is always deeply moving to see a player give back to his community by helping to identify, nurture and organize young talents so they can become the best versions of themselves,” Kanamugire said.
“This is a powerful example that many should learn from. FERWAFA is ready to support such initiatives because this is exactly where the future of Rwandan football will come from.”
The Iwacu Academy launch marked a significant milestone for football development in Ruhango District, showcasing how player-led initiatives can complement national football development strategies.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ange Mutsinzi, the funder of Iwacu Academy, who currently plays for ZIRA FC from Azerbaijan and AMAVUBI National Team, shared the personal motivation behind the project, drawing from his own challenging football journey.
“The idea came from my dark past in football,” Mutsinzi revealed. “I did not have easy access to proper training, and my development was not promising at all. By God’s grace, I made it through, and today I only wish that these young ones never face the same challenges I encountered.” Saying he wants them to become like him or why not even better than him.
He added that the academy is his way of reinvesting his earnings into the community that shaped him, starting from his roots. Mutsinzi urged the young players to embrace discipline, respect their coaches, and remain committed to hard work.
The ceremony was also graced by Amavubi legend and Umuri Foundation Academy owner, Mr. Jimmy Mulisa, who previously coached Mutsinzi at the national team level, further highlighting the continuity between generations of Rwandan footballers.
Iwacu Academy, based in Byimana Sector, Ruhango District, where Mutsinzi was born and raised, currently hosts 60 boys and girls in the Under-11 and Under-13 categories. All the children are from Ruhango District in the Southern Province. The academy operates under the motto: Hard Work, Respect, and Teamwork.
The launch of Iwacu Academy stands as a strong testament to the power of purpose-driven talent development and reinforces FERWAFA’s vision of building the future of Rwandan football from the grassroots up.