Sudan’s Al Hilal SC was asked to pay nearly 111 million Rwandan Francs to host their CAF Champions League match at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, sparking debate over the high cost of using Rwanda’s top sports venues. The club reportedly learned the stadium details late and could not request CAF to move the match to Libya, where they usually play their home games.
Several factors contribute to the high fees at Amahoro Stadium. Post-match cleaning, handled by specialized companies, costs about 20 million RWF per game. Protocol and steward staff, operating under strict procedures, add to the cost, while security, lighting, and energy use further increase expenses. These combined costs make it financially challenging for both local and international teams to use the stadium.
Sports analysts warn that facilities like Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Petit Stade may risk becoming under-utilized if rental fees remain so high. Even Rwandan clubs are affected; for example, when APR FC hosted Rayon Sports, stadium fees alone reportedly reached 34 million RWF.
After Al Hilal’s match against Lupopo, a meeting involving MINISPORTS, FERWAFA, and the club is expected to review stadium costs and discuss sustainable solutions. Experts suggest that government support—through subsidies, transport, or licensing incentives—may be necessary to ensure that Rwanda’s modern sports infrastructure remains accessible.
The situation raises a broader question: How can Rwanda balance world-class stadiums with affordability? Without careful management, the country risks having top-tier venues that are rarely used due to prohibitive costs.
