90% of the forecasts favor Shema Ngoga Fabrice to be elected as the next president of FERWAFA, Rwanda’s football federation. His candidacy faces voting defined by ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, as he and his team are the sole contenders for this leadership position.
In a recent interview with Rwanda Radio, Shema Ngoga Fabrice highlighted the significance of dominant teams in Rwanda like APR FC and Rayon Sports. He stressed that decisions regarding these clubs must reflect fairness and consideration, as they frequently compete for prestigious titles.
Shema emphasized: “These teams enjoy a massive fan base and are perpetually battling for trophies, creating a highly competitive environment. Disputes arising from matches often result in contentious decisions, which are not universally embraced."
Referencing a match between Mukura VS and Rayon Sports during the Peace Cup, Shema noted that the encounter was interrupted due to electricity problems. He pointed out that such incidents, fostering debates and disputes, could be mitigated through straightforward, pre-established regulations.
He stated: “There should be clarity ahead of time. For example, during that Mukura-Rayon game halted around the 60th minute, the reason cited was electricity outages. Such interruptions highlight the need for better preparations."
Offering a deeper perspective, he explained: “The ‘force majeure’ defense may be cited for unavoidable occurrences, but certain issues, like power outages during night games, can be prevented. These needs call for proactive measures and planning beforehand.”
Shema strongly advocated for comprehensive laws to avoid recurring issues. He explained: “Starting with clear league regulations is essential. Everyone involved must understand, endorse, and respect these guidelines. When issues arise, solutions should be directly executed by these rules, eliminating appeals or committee interventions. Effective regulations enforce fairness and accountability without leaving room for doubt.”
On referee controversies, Shema addressed the necessity of probing and resolving root causes. He commented: “Some concerns are not openly discussed. For instance, claims that individuals at FERWAFA request certain referees for games. Evidence might even reveal one referee overseeing up to 70% of a specific team's matches."
He added: “The level of professionalism within the sport needs an overhaul. While discussions persist, all I ask is an opportunity to determine whether these concerns have merit. Personally, I’ve not engaged in requesting referees, nor have I been requested to prioritize a particular team's needs. Referees are present to maintain fairness, not favoritism."
Shema Ngoga Fabrice reassured his commitment to hold referees accountable and ensure professionalism within FERWAFA. He commented: “I’ve coordinated with my future colleagues, prioritizing strict penalties for referees caught engaging in malpractice. It’s imperative to challenge the mindset promoting favoritism. FERWAFA has plans to elevate elite referees, possibly employing those currently underutilized and providing a stable salary structure."
Shema Fabrice has pledged to bring substantial reforms to FERWAFA for a more efficient football administration.
He also outlined plans to address referee management issues in Rwandan football.