The Rwanda Mining Football Competition 2025 has moved into its decisive phase, with six teams officially securing their spots in the tournament’s next matches. The competition, which serves the dual purpose of promoting sportsmanship and facilitating crucial industry dialogue, demonstrates intense rivalry among Rwanda’s leading mining organizations.
The Qualified Six and Their Paths to the Next Round
A total of six teams have progressed, showcasing varying degrees of dominance and determination. These qualified teams are: RMC, POWER M, TRINITY RUTONGO, CEMINYAKI, TRINITY NYAKABINGO, and GMDC which managed to progress as the ‘Best Looser’.
Tournament Purpose and History
The Rwanda Mining Football Competition 2025 officially launched on August 16, 2025, with a ceremony held in Byimana Sector, Ruhango District. The event kicked off with the former trophy winners, Big Mining FC, defeating ETS Kalinda 2-0.
Organized by the Rwandan government through the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and Trade unions, the primary goal of the tournament is to support workers engaged in mining by offering them an opportunity to socialize, foster camaraderie, and celebrate achievements beyond their work in the mines.
The competition carries a significant communicative function:
- Dialogue and Problem Solving: After each match, discussions are held on current government programs, enabling miners to share challenges and ideas, and report unresolved issues directly to relevant authorities for potential solutions.
- Community Building: Eng. Andre Mutsindashyaka, the Secretary General of the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union, commended the initiative, noting that it emphasizes that the role of those in the industry is “not just about mining but also about building community through sports and social interactions”.
Reflecting on its history, the tournament was initially launched in 2023, faced interruptions in 2024, and has now successfully resumed in 2025.
Industry Leaders and Miner Voices
Leaders across the industry expressed strong support for the initiative.
Mr. Thomas Hubakimana, Managing Director of Big Mining Company and representative of Big Mining FC, thanked the Rwandan government, RMB, and Trade unions for organizing the event, stating that it helps foster teamwork and the exchange of ideas.
Darius Kayiranga, alias SHUNI, Managing Director of ETS Kalinda highlighted that the initiative shows that miners “are not just involved in mining but also enjoy activities like football, a sport loved by many”. Kayiranga also invited skeptics to visit Kamonyi and Ruhango to witness the wealth of mineral resources firsthand.
The benefits are felt directly by employees, such as Nyirandikubwimana Alivella, a miner with over 12 years of experience, who praised her management for providing a supportive work environment and support for saving and accessing loans. She remarked that participating in the event allowed her to show solidarity and gratitude for what her team has achieved.
Players and team managers have been urged to uphold a spirit of professionalism and sportsmanship as the matches continue. The competition is slated to conclude with the final match and trophy award ceremony on December 4, 2025, coinciding with International Mining Day.
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