Why Rwanda Must Act Now to Secure Diaspora Football

Rwanda's Missed Opportunity: The Johan Bakayoko Case

Rwanda recently lost the chance to secure one of Europe’s most promising young footballers, Johan Bakayoko. Despite his Rwandan heritage and early signals of interest in playing for the Amavubi, the PSV Eindhoven winger chose to represent Belgium on the international stage. Born in Overijse, Belgium, to a Rwandan mother and an Ivorian father, Bakayoko represented Belgium from U15 to U21, and officially committed to the Red Devils in 2023.

This high-profile miss underscores a growing issue in Rwandan football: the lack of a proactive and strategic approach to recruiting diaspora talent.

Why Early Intervention is Crucial

As competition for dual-nationality players intensifies globally, nations like Morocco, Algeria, and Nigeria have set strong precedents in diaspora scouting. FERWAFA must adopt a similar model. Rwanda can no longer afford to wait until players are stars in Europe. The window to recruit is during their formative years—when their international allegiance is still undecided.

The example of Johan Bakayoko is a critical wake-up call.

Tapping into a Global Pool of Rwandan Talent

There is no shortage of Rwandan football talent abroad. Players like Noam Emeran (formerly of Manchester United), Hakim Sahabo (Belgium), and Sanders Ngabo (Denmark) represent a vast, untapped potential. These young athletes are technically gifted, exposed to high-level training, and still deeply connected to their Rwandan roots.

To make Rwanda an appealing option, FERWAFA must not only identify these players but offer a compelling vision: a future with structure, growth, and purpose.

What FERWAFA Must Do Now

1. Establish a Diaspora Scouting Network: Position talent scouts in key football nations—France, Belgium, UK, Norway, Switzerland—to track and approach Rwandan-eligible players early.

2. Create an Appealing Amavubi Vision: Showcase Rwanda’s national progress and position the national team as part of a broader story of ambition and unity.

3. Provide Structural and Logistical Support: Streamline dual nationality processes, offer financial support, and guarantee a clear development pathway.

4. Government Collaboration: Engage ministries and high-level government bodies to support and market the project as a national cause.

Building a Team for the Future

If Rwanda aspires to return to the Africa Cup of Nations—or reach the World Cup for the first time—it must think beyond its borders. Football is not just about skill; it’s about identity, pride, and national influence.

FERWAFA must act decisively and globally. The Amavubi project needs to be more than a jersey—it must be a movement, one that young Rwandans everywhere are proud to join.

Rwanda’s future in football lies in its global family. The time to act is now.