In early 2025, two renowned Rwandan football players united with a shared mission to empower children by cultivating their football talents and helping them achieve their dreams. Danny Usengimana, currently based in Canada, and Emmanuel Imanishimwe Mangwende, who plays for AEL Limassol FC in Cyprus, collaborated with Eric Habimana, a coach recognized for his dedication to developing young talent and mentoring both players during their formative years.
This partnership led to the creation of Bright Football Academy in April 2025. Head coach Eric Habimana revealed that the founders, stars of Rwanda’s national team, had long envisioned a platform to nurture young footballers who could eventually contribute to the nation's sports legacy. Their combined efforts aim to secure Rwanda’s growth in football for future generations.
Habimana explained: “Our national football players, who have achieved significant milestones, sought guidance on how best to cultivate young talent. Today, they generously provide essential gear, including footballs, cones, hurdles for training sessions, and kits for hosting various matches.”
He added that after enrolling 150 aspiring footballers and initiating their development process, the academy proceeded to sign agreements with their parents. These agreements ensure lifelong support for the children's progress while solidifying Bright Football Academy's reputation as a hub for fostering exceptional talent.
With 21 years of experience in youth coaching, Habimana has successfully mentored numerous talents, including Faustin Usengimana, Danny Usengimana, and Emmanuel Imanishimwe ‘Mangwende.’
Usengimana Danny, one of the co-founders, spoke with pride about achieving their goal of launching the academy. He emphasized the importance of securing sustainable funding to ensure impactful results from the academy, stating: “Starting this academy was a deeply considered decision. Football is integral to our lives, and having Coach Habimana’s guidance made the process seamless. We envisioned him as the ideal leader since we’re often unavailable.”
Their plan for the academy stretches beyond training children; they aim to expand by creating partnerships, introducing sports like handball, and establishing teams in higher divisions of Rwanda’s football league. Usengimana explained: “We hope to evolve Bright Football Academy into a much larger entity, engaging stakeholders, adding new sports, and forming competitive teams in both the first and second divisions of the league.”
Danny Usengimana, a forward for Rwanda's national team Amavubi, has played for clubs such as Isonga FC, Police FC, Singida Black Stars, and APR FC in Rwanda. He now resides in Canada.
Emmanuel Imanishimwe ‘Mangwende,’ playing left-back for Amavubi, has a track record with clubs like Aspor FC and Rayon Sports, before transferring to APR FC. His international career included three successful seasons with AS FAR in Morocco, leading to his current role at AEL Limassol in Cyprus.
Bright Football Academy, situated in Rugende, Rwamagana District, now hosts 150 young players and is driven by its mission to shape the next generation of sports icons in Rwanda. The foundation of this academy follows a similar move by fellow national player, Ntwari Fiacre, who established his own football academy earlier this year.
