Kigali, 31 January 2025

The 2024-2025 RDF Inter-Force Sports Competition concluded today with an exciting final football match between the Combat Training Centre Gabiro and the Special Operations Force (SOF). The tournament served as a precursor to the National Heroes’ Day celebrations on 1st February 2025.

The Combat Training Centre Gabiro claimed victory in the final, securing a 4-3 win over SOF in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the end of 90 minutes of regular time.

The Minister of Defence, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, accompanied by the Minister of State for Regional Integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, the Reserve Force Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Alex Kagame, the Rwanda Air Force Deputy Chief Staff, Brig Gen Godfrey Gasana and Executive Secretary of CHENO, Déo Nkusi. Senior RDF officials and representatives from the football community were also in attendance at Kigali Pélé Stadium.

In his remarks, Hon Marizamunda underscored the significance of the competition, highlighting its role in enhancing physical fitness, cohesion, comradeship, morale and the wining spirit within the RDF.

The RDF Inter-Force Competition commenced at the unit level in November 2024, with both men and women competing in various disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, netball, athletics, and shooting.

Winners across different disciplines:
•Basketball: Special Operations Force (SOF)
•Volleyball: Republican Guard (RG)
•Handball: Rwanda Military Academy – Gako (RMA Gako)
•Netball: Rwanda Air Force (RAF)
•Shooting: Special Operations Force (SOF)
•Best Shooter 81-1: Cpl Mulisa Anastase (Military Police)
•Best Shooter with Pistol: S/Sgt Mutangana Victor (Republican Guard)
•Athletics 5000m: Sgt Mukasakindi Claudette (GHQ)

Beyond fostering sportsmanship and teamwork, the competition also serves as a talent identification platform. Outstanding athletes are selected to represent RDF in international military competitions, including the East African Community Military Games and other global events.

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