Rwandan football has entered a new chapter with the election of Mr. Jean Claude Ngoga as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA). The appointment was confirmed during the federation’s Annual Ordinary General Assembly, held in Kigali on 31 August 2025.
Ngoga succeeds Mr. Alphonse Munyantwali, who had led FERWAFA since June 2023. His election was uncontested, signaling both broad support and a period of continuity for Rwandan football governance.
Leadership with Local and Corporate Credentials
Ngoga brings a unique dual profile to his new role. On the football side, he has served as President of AS Kigali since 2019, overseeing a period of strong domestic performances and heightened visibility in the Rwanda Premier League.
Beyond sport, Ngoga is also the CEO of Africa Medical Supplier Plc, recognized as Rwanda’s first publicly listed health company. This blend of sports leadership and corporate governance gives him an outlook that aligns with FERWAFA’s ambitions to professionalize and commercialize football in the country.
Strengthening Regional and Global Links
The General Assembly was attended by key figures from both FIFA and CECAFA, underscoring Rwanda’s integration into the wider football ecosystem.
- Davis Ndayisenga, Manager of FIFA’s Regional Development Office in Kigali, brought the global governing body’s support.
- Auka Gecheo, Executive Director of CECAFA, emphasized regional collaboration.
These presences reinforce Rwanda’s status as a growing hub for East and Central African football development.
Building a Leadership Team
Ngoga will not lead alone. Two vice presidents were also appointed to form part of FERWAFA’s new executive team:
- Ms. Claudine Gasarabwe as First Vice President, responsible for Finance and Administration.
- Mr. Richard Mugisha as Second Vice President, overseeing Technical Matters.
Together, this leadership trio is tasked with steering Rwandan football for the next four years, in line with FERWAFA’s statutes.
What This Means for Rwandan Football
Ngoga’s mandate arrives at a critical juncture:
- Rwanda continues to invest in football infrastructure and youth pathways.
- The league is seeking to attract greater commercial partnerships.
- Regional and global competition demands more professional structures.
With his background straddling football management and corporate leadership, Ngoga is well-positioned to drive FERWAFA toward greater financial sustainability, governance reforms, and grassroots development.
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The transition in FERWAFA leadership highlights a wider trend in African football governance: the rise of executives who combine sports experience with corporate acumen. This blend is increasingly essential as federations look to:
- Professionalize operations and attract commercial partners.
- Leverage football for urban and national branding.
- Deliver sustainable pathways for youth and grassroots development.
For Rwanda, the coming four years under Ngoga’s presidency will be a test of whether the federation can balance on-field progress with off-field modernization.
