MUHANGA – On June 20, 2026, Don Bosco Kabgayi Football Training Center welcomed Alexia Tuyizere, one of the players who came through this academy and who now plays for Police WFC in Rwanda’s top-flight football league.
The visit took place during a break in league activities, giving Alexia an opportunity to return to the academy that helped launch her football journey and to interact with the children who continue to train there.
During her discussion with the children, Alexia shared her experience in football and encouraged them to continue working hard, respect their coaches, and maintain good discipline both on and off the field.
“This is where I truly started playing football. Don Bosco Kabgayi played a major role in my journey. That is why whenever I get the opportunity, I come back to visit the children and talk to them about my journey,” Alexia said.
She explained that reaching Police WFC was not easy, but rather the result of hard work and following the guidance she received from coaches at different stages of her career.
“When I started playing, I never imagined that I would reach the first division. But I kept working hard, respected my coaches, and followed the instructions I was given. That helped me get to where I am today.“
Don Bosco Kabgayi Football Training Center was established in 2011 with the aim of developing children’s talents through football and helping them grow with positive values. To date, it continues to train children in different age categories, focusing on their technical development, discipline, and overall well-being.
This visit comes as the academy prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary of promoting children’s football talents.
The Head Coach of Don Bosco Kabgayi FTC, Twizeyimana Emmanuel, said they are pleased to see players who passed through the academy maintain their connection with it and return to share their experiences with the children.
“When we see players we once coached returning to visit the children and talk to them about their journeys, it helps the youngsters see concrete examples of what they can achieve through hard work and by following the guidance they receive.”
He added that the 15th anniversary celebration will provide an opportunity to reconnect various people who have played a role in the history of Don Bosco Kabgayi FTC.
For his part, Kayiranga Olivier, who also came through the academy and is now the Assistant Coach at Don Bosco Kabgayi FTC, said Alexia’s return to visit the children sends a positive message that well-developed talent can reach the highest levels.
“Young children see that someone who followed the same path they are following today can reach major clubs. That gives them confidence and encourages them to continue training.”
As preparations for the 15th anniversary continue, the management of Don Bosco Kabgayi FTC plans to bring together many former members of the academy, including active football players, coaches, people working in various public and private sector institutions, and others who continue to contribute to youth development.
Alexia Tuyizere’s visit once again demonstrated the role that accomplished players can play in mentoring and sharing experiences with younger children, especially at a time when women’s football continues to grow in Rwanda. It is also an example showing that remembering where one comes from is one of the important values that helps build a better future, both for individual players and for the young people who look up to them.
