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Rwanda signs landmark deal with European football giant, Bayern Munich

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Rwanda has taken its drive of positioning the country as the go-to destination for tourism and sports as it signs a landmark deal with European football giant, Bayern Munich of Germany.

The five-year partnership deal with the former European champions which was sealed on Sunday will see the six-time European champions promoting the East African country’s tourism as well as setting up a football academy in the country.

The new partnership will see the German Bundesliga team wear the “Visit Rwanda” logo on their jersey and is coming after similar partnerships with English Premier League club Arsenal and French giants Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

As part of the partnership, the “Visit Rwanda” logo will appear on the illuminated panels around the pitch at Bayern’s 75,000 capacity Allianz Arena stadium, according to a press release by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

“We are delighted to be partnering with FC Bayern to support the development of football for boys and girls in Rwanda. We are looking forward to creating the FC Bayern Academy where their expert coaches will be able to share their knowledge of the game with local coaches and players,” Rwanda’s Minister of Sport, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, said in the statement.

Bayern Munich CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, who was in Rwanda for the signing ceremony, said:

“Africa is a continent of opportunities. For FC Bayern, it is the next important step in our internationalisation.”

On the financial gains that have come in from the partnerships with Arsenal and PSG, Rwanda says it has generated more than $160m (€148m) and attracted a million visitors, generating an additional $445m (€412m).

The new partnership is coming six months after Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, revealed that the country was considering entering a new partnership with another European club because the initial two shirt sponsorship deals with Arsenal and PSG had paid off, but did not specify which club, league or country.

“The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is extending its visibility to a new European football league after England, where it is a sponsor of London club Arsenal, and France, where it is a partner of Paris Saint-Germain,” Kagame had said.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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