Kigali Pele Stadium was initially not listed among CAF-approved venues for African tournaments, and Stade Amahoro was unavailable due to preparations for the upcoming UCI Cycling World Championship scheduled in Kigali.
However, Kigali Pele Stadium has now earned CAF approval, becoming the new stage for exciting fixtures featuring local football giants Rayon Sports and APR FC. The much-anticipated first-leg match of the CAF Champions League preliminary round will see APR FC face off against Egypt’s Pyramids FC on October 1, starting at 2 PM.
This match, originally set for September 28, was rescheduled. South African referee Masixole Bambiso will officiate, assisted by Elphas Sitole and Cledwin Baloyi, with Eugine Nkosinathi Mdluli serving as the fourth official. The Match Commissioner will be Ahmed Iddi Mgoyi.
The reverse leg of this preliminary encounter between APR FC and Pyramids FC will take place on October 5 in Egypt.
Meanwhile, Rayon Sports will kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in the first leg of the preliminary round. This exciting fixture is slated for September 20, 2025, at 6 PM, hosted at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The officiating team for the match includes referee Thembikosi Njabulo Dlamini from Eswatini, supported by Celumusa Sivumelwane Phiri and Magagula Ndumiso. Celumusa Siphepho will act as the fourth official, and Match Commissioner Nimubona Arcade from Burundi will oversee proceedings.
The return leg between Rayon Sports and Singida Black Stars is scheduled for September 27, 2025, in Tanzania.
APR FC will host Pyramids FC on October 1 at Kigali Pele Stadium, promising a clash of skill and strategy.
Rayon Sports will face Singida Black Stars on September 20 at Kigali Pele Stadium in a highly anticipated CAF Confederation Cup showdown.