The Rwanda’s youth football 2026 season came to a climax this weekend (July 11/12) with Rwanda U-17 Rising Stars Championship and the Rwanda U-20 Elite Premier League finals staged at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The two-day football showcase brought together some of the country’s brightest young talents, highlighting the continued growth of youth football development in Rwanda.
The U-17 finals took place on 11 July 2026, with teams battling for glory in both the girls’ and boys’ categories.
In the girls’ final, Center for Champions secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory over ES Mutunda to lift the title.
In the boys’ category, FC Bayern Academy Rwanda emerged victorious after defeating Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter.
U17 Individual Awards
Girls
• Best Goalkeeper: Iramuzi Belyse (PSG Academy Rwanda)
• Best Player: Kayitesi Jacqueline (Center for Champions)
Boys
• Best Goalkeeper: Bruno Rugwiro (Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle)
• Best Player: Bahati Pacifique (FC Bayern Academy Rwanda)
U20 Elite Premier League Finals
The excitement continued on Sunday, July 12 with the finals of the Rwanda U20 Elite Premier League.
In the girls’ final, APR WFC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Center for Champions 7-0, crowning an outstanding campaign in dominant fashion.
In the boys’ final, Tony FA produced an impressive display to overcome Amagaju FC 5-1, sealing the championship title after a remarkable season.
U20 Individual Awards
Girls
• Best Player: Akimana Martha (APR WFC)
• Best Goalkeeper: Maombi Joana (APR WFC)
Boys
• Best Player: Tuyizere Fabrice (Tony FA)
• Best Goalkeeper: Mutangwa Cedric (Tony FA)
The successful conclusion of both competitions once again demonstrated FERWAFA’s commitment to youth football development, talent identification and creating competitive platforms for the next generation of Rwandan football stars.
With unforgettable performances, emerging talents and new champions crowned, the 2026 youth football season ends on a high note, leaving supporters excited for the future of Rwandan football.