Bayern Munich Fan Club in Rwanda Celebrates One Year of Fostering Football Passion and Community Impact

A group of Rwandans and foreign residents of Rwanda gathered in Kigali to mark one year since the formation of Bayern Munich fan club in Rwanda.

The event was preceded by a watch party of the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, which concluded with Bayern Munich winning 4-0.

"This action solidifies the bond between FC Bayern Munich and Rwanda. Being present for a live game is only one method through which we are connected," explained Emmanuel Turatsinze, the creator and president of the Bayern Munich fan club in Rwanda.

FC Bayern Munich Rwanda Academy Director of Coaching, Bernhard Hirmer (left) talking to Janis Just, Senior Manager at Test Solutions

Since its creation in 2024, the fan club has increased from 30 to more than 100. Leadership in the club believes the success will build stronger community connections.

"Our club was formed to build a robust fan base for the Bayern Munich academy in Rwanda," Turatsinze said. "What began as a concept has become a thriving community of enthusiastic football fans."

The club also serves to nurture young Rwandan talent. "Our members' passion encourages these young players as they strive for professional careers," Turatsinze continued.

FC Bayern Munich academy in Rwanda has enrolled 17 young players, six of whom have been retained, with three to be dispatched to the global academy in Germany.

Academy Director of Coaching Bernhard Hirmer announced an additional 17 signings for the second intake and intentions to develop players for the Rwandan national team, Amavubi, with the hope of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Apart from football, the fan club has made a notable impact in the community around Kigali.

Members provided a school with fruit trees and built a mini bridge in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge district as part of Rwanda's monthly Umuganda community work.

The fan club plans to organize a football tournament to unite fan clubs of foreign teams in the future.

Next year is significant for us in terms of growth," said Turatsinze. "By hosting a viewing party, and other like it, we wish to heighten our following, spread love, and introduce new fans. That is true meaning of Mia San Mia." The German investors value the two countries' strengthened tie as well.

Janis Just, the Senior Manager- TestSolutions' German computer program testing business based in Rwanda- praised social influence of fan club.

We are delighted to sponsor the Bayern Fan Club as a testament to German-Rwandan partnership," Just added.