Rwanda Launches Ambitious Talent Development Scheme with FIFA to Boost Youth Football

Rwanda’s Football Federation, FERWAFA, has officially unveiled the Talent Development Scheme (TDS), a program designed to identify and nurture young football talents across the country. The initiative aims to elevate the performance of Rwanda’s youth teams, with the ultimate goal of preparing the U17 national team for the 2028 FIFA U17 World Cup. The press conference took place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at FERWAFA headquarters in Remera. The event drew top officials from the federation and international football experts, highlighting the importance and scale of the project. FERWAFA Pre

Rwanda’s Football Federation, FERWAFA, has officially unveiled the Talent Development Scheme (TDS), a program designed to identify and nurture young football talents across the country. The initiative aims to elevate the performance of Rwanda’s youth teams, with the ultimate goal of preparing the U17 national team for the 2028 FIFA U17 World Cup. The press conference took place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at FERWAFA headquarters in Remera. The event drew top officials from the federation and international football experts, highlighting the importance and scale of the project. FERWAFA President, Dr. Shema Ngoga Fabrice, alongside Secretary-General Bonnie Mugabe, Technical Director Gérard Buscher, FERWAFA Technical and Development Commissioner Kanamugire Fidele, FIFA High-Performance Specialist Anthony Baffoe, and FIFA-appointed youth development coach Frédéric Crebiller, addressed the media and outlined the program’s framework. Crebiller, who will be based in Rwanda for two years, will directly oversee the implementation of the TDS. The TDS is a two-year program focusing on three core pillars: talent identification, structured training, and competitive matches. Its primary aim is to develop a strong pipeline of players who can help Rwanda’s U17 team excel on the international stage. The program will establish 12 football schools, six for boys and six for girls, which will serve as talent hubs. These centers will provide trained coaches, proper equipment, and facilities to support young players’ growth. Players under 13, 15, and 17 will train and participate in weekly matches, fostering both skill and discipline from an early age. FERWAFA will launch the TDS Youth Elite League for players under 14 and 16 years. The league will feature 14 to 16 teams per category, with each team playing between 28 and 30 matches per season. This competitive environment ensures that young talents gain experience, exposure, and the resilience needed for professional football. The federation will deploy 18 scouts across different regions to identify promising players. Each region will have at least three scouts responsible for evaluating performance, recording data, and monitoring injuries using the FERWAFA software system. Rwanda-based scouts will collaborate closely with talent monitors in Europe, ensuring that Rwandan players abroad are also assessed and recruited for national youth teams. Coaching quality is central to the TDS. FERWAFA emphasizes that coaches will be selected not just based on qualifications, but also on passion and ability to teach young players. Minimum requirements include a university degree and a commitment to nurturing youth talent. Intensive coaching courses will begin in February 2026, providing annual refresher sessions to ensure continuous professional development. FERWAFA plans to build 10 new football pitches across participating schools, creating safe and well-equipped spaces for training and competition. This infrastructure aims to support long-term player development and reduce reliance on inadequate facilities. Rwanda has faced challenges in youth football development, often struggling to translate talent into international success. The U17 national team’s appearance at the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico remains one of the few highlights. President Shema expressed optimism that the TDS will address longstanding gaps in youth development. He emphasized that this initiative represents a shift from mere plans to actionable, sustainable programs, designed to consistently produce skilled players for the national team. FERWAFA also plans to identify and track young Rwandan talents living abroad, sending coaches to evaluate their potential for national selection. This ensures that all promising players, regardless of location, have a pathway to represent Rwanda. The program benefits significantly from FIFA’s expertise. Frédéric Crebiller and Anthony Baffoe will provide technical guidance, mentoring local coaches, and overseeing youth talent identification. The partnership underscores FIFA’s commitment to holistic development of football in emerging nations, ensuring that Rwanda has a sustainable talent pipeline. The TDS sets Rwanda on a clear path to improve its youth football system, with a vision that stretches beyond immediate results. By providing structured training, competitive opportunities, and professional guidance, FERWAFA aims to develop world-class players capable of competing at U17 World Cups and eventually contributing to the senior national team, including participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. President Shema concluded with a strong message of confidence: “This time, we are prepared. We have the structure, the people, and the vision. Rwanda’s youth teams will achieve results, and the TDS is the foundation for long-term success.”

FERWAFA President Dr. Shema Ngoga Fabrice addressing the media during the launch of the Talent Development Scheme (TDS).

The Secretary-General (SG) of FERWAFA, Bonnie Mugabe, also attended the press conference

FERWAFA’s Talent Development Scheme represents a milestone in Rwandan football, combining strategic planning, international expertise, and local commitment to create a brighter future for the country’s young athletes.

FERWAFA’s Technical Director (DTN), Gérard Buscher, involved in organizing the youth development program.

Anthony Baffoe a former defender, football business manager, and Deputy General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), sent by FIFA, highlighting the benefits Rwandan football will gain from the Talent Development Scheme (TDS).