FIFA Africa chief Gelson Fernandes applauds Rwanda’s FIFA Series impact and grassroots gains

FIFA Africa chief Gelson Fernandes has lauded Rwanda’s hosting of the FIFA Series, describing the event as a powerful reflection of football’s ability to unite and inspire beyond the pitch.

In a post shared on X, Fernandes highlighted the significance of the tournament, which brought together eight national teams from different confederations in Kigali.

“The FIFA Series in Rwanda was much more than a tournament. Eight teams, different confederations, one passion: football,” he wrote.

Fernandes, who has served as FIFA’s Director of Member Associations Africa since August 2022, plays a key role in overseeing initiatives aimed at strengthening the growth and development of African member associations through the FIFA Forward Programme.

Rwanda hosted two groups during the FIFA Series, welcoming teams from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, further cementing its status as an emerging hub for international football events on the continent.

Beyond the matches, the week also marked a major step in grassroots development with the inauguration of a FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Kagarama Secondary School in Kigali.

The facility was officially opened by FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström on the sidelines of the tournament.

The project forms part of a broader initiative by FIFA, in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed at expanding access to football infrastructure and promoting social inclusion across communities.

Fernandes also emphasized the lasting social impact of the event, particularly on young people. He noted that the tournament created “joy, connection, and dreams for a whole generation of children,” reinforcing football’s role as a tool for inspiration and unity.

Rwanda’s successful hosting of the FIFA Series, coupled with continued investment in infrastructure through the FIFA Arena project, highlights the country’s growing influence in African football development and its alignment with FIFA’s broader strategic objectives for the global game.