Kigali Pelé Stadium Explained

Kigali Pelé Stadium
Nickname:Nyamirambo Regional Stadium
Coordinates:-1.9781°N 30.0441°W
Surface:Artificial turf
Tenants:APR F.C.
Rwanda national football team
Capacity:22,000

Kigali Pelé Stadium, nicknamed Nyamirambo Regional Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in the Nyamirambo neighbourhood of Kigali, Rwanda. It is currently used mostly for football matches and hosts several teams in the Rwanda Premier League, including APR FC and Rayon Sports.

It has an artificial turf surface and seats 22,000 spectators.[1] The stadium was deemed unfit to host international matches in 2021 by the Confederation of African Football and underwent a renovation that began in January 2023 ahead of the 73rd FIFA Congress, hosted by Kigali.[2] It reopened on March 15, 2023, and was renamed in honor of the late Brazilian footballer Pelé by Rwanda president Paul Kagame and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.[3] [4]

In 1998, the stadium was used for the public executions of four individuals convicted of involvement in the Rwandan genocide, including Froduald Karamira.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rwanda/South Africa: SA Firm to Renovate Nyamirambo Stadium. 2008-04-26. Allfrica.com. 2009-01-18.
  2. News: Kamasa . Peter . January 3, 2023 . Teams relocate to Bugesera as renovation works at Kigali Stadium start . . March 16, 2023.
  3. News: Nsabimana . Eddie . March 16, 2023 . Kagame honours Pele as Rwanda stadium is named after late icon . . March 16, 2023.
  4. March 15, 2023 . Kigali Pelé Stadium inaugurated in Rwanda . . March 16, 2023.
  5. Web site: Partial List of Rwandans Executed . 2022-04-14 . AP NEWS . en.