The highly anticipated football tournament uniting Rwanda’s mining companies has reached its climax, with Rutongo Mines FC and Trinity Nyakabingo FC securing their spots in the final match, scheduled for December 4, 2025.
Trinity Nyakabingo Edges CEMINYAKI 2-0
In the second semi-final, Trinity Nyakabingo FC secured a 2-0 victory over CEMINYAKI from Rubavu, ensuring their participation in the final against Rutongo Mines. The match took place at the Rutongo Mines field, located in the Masoro Sector of Rulindo District.
The game began at 3:35 PM, but the first half concluded scoreless (0-0), lacking noticeable intensity despite both teams attacking. However, Trinity Nyakabingo FC broke the deadlock in the second half, scoring the first goal in the 32nd minute from a set piece, which was credited to inattention from CEMINYAKI’s defenders. They added a second goal in the 41st minute, finalizing the 2-0 score.
Winning Reactions:
Trinity Nyakabingo FC Coach Mubyiganirwa Jacques Ngamije expressed overwhelming joy, noting that they fought hard for this achievement. He stated that achieving their goal is a cause for celebration but urged his players not to become complacent, reminding them the “path is still long”. Ngamije instructed his team to prepare to defeat Rutongo Mines and bring the cup home.
Captain Bahati Gasana (Thierry) echoed his coach, confirming that reaching the final was extremely challenging. He attributed the success in the previous games to following the coach’s advice and team unity.
CEMINYAKI’s Concerns and Future Plans:
Despite the loss, CEMINYAKI’s Gatari Jean Pierre, asserted that they are not discouraged. He acknowledged that while they wished to reach the final, they will continue preparing for future competitions. Gatari assured that they will continue to prepare the team so that in the future, opponents will find it difficult to defeat them.
Rutongo Mines Dominates Rwinkwavu 3-1
Rutongo Mines FC earned their final spot by defeating Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation Company FC with a score of 3-1. This semi-final match was held on December 22, 2025, at the Trinity field in Nyakabingo, Shyorongi.
Rutongo Mines scored the opening goal in the 20th minute, but Rwinkwavu equalized in the 35th minute, ending the first half tied at 1-1. In the second half, Rutongo intensified their attack and scored their second goal in the 80th minute, followed by a third goal from a free kick resulting from a fault by Rwinkwavu’s defense, thrilling their fans.
Winning Reactions:
Rutongo Mines Coach Habumugisha Theoneste celebrated the win, noting that they had adequately prepared for the semi-final. He emphasized that their strategy is always to score three goals, which they achieved, and they plan to execute the same strategy in the final. Uwimana Jeanne, Manager of Rutongo Mines FC, stated that their consistent wins were not accidental, as they entered the tournament well-prepared, and are now ready to lift the trophy.
Rwinkwavu Focuses on Third Place:
Rwinkwavu’s Coach Habineza Egide expressed disappointment about not reaching the final but vowed that the team would strive to secure third place. Jean Marie Vianney Ngenzi, representing Rwinkwavu management, thanked the organizers for creating an environment for interaction and promised to build an even stronger team in the future.
Tournament Context and Final Preparations
The football tournament, which is organized by the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union in collaboration with RMB (Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board) and PSF, aims to help miners socialize, connect, receive government updates, avoid illegal mining, and engage in sports to counteract the isolation of constant work in the mines.
Officials who attended the semi-finals praised the success of the competition. Jean Marie Vianney Bwanakweri, the Deputy Secretary General of REWU, stated that it was a long and difficult path to organize the tournament, but the outcomes—including providing miners adequate time to connect and engage in sports—were highly satisfying.
The final match between Trinity Nyakabingo FC and Rutongo Mines FC will determine the champion who succeeds Big Mining FC from Ruhango, the winners of the previous year. The final Match is scheduled on December 4, 2025 at IPRC Kigali-Kicukiro.
Leave a Reply