Intwari Stadium Renovation: A Long-Awaited Promise for Burundi’s Sports

During an oral questioning session in the Senedd, the Sports Minister announced that the renovation of the Intwari stadium is 95% complete. He said that from 2025, Burundi will no longer have to rent stadiums abroad for international matches. However, this is not the first time that an authority has made a promise in this direction. The defect inherent in the delay in providing this infrastructure is economic, of course, but also related to sport.

At one point, it was announced that the rehabilitation was to be completed in May 2023. Some even hoped to celebrate Independence Day in a brand new Intwari. But the wait turned into fatigue. Unfulfilled commitments raise doubts: where is the obstacle? Can we really hope that these deadlines will be respected?

As a reminder, the Intwari stadium, the former Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, has been undergoing renovation since October 2022. It was decided to renovate it with the aim of providing the country with a stadium that meets FIFA standards. We remember that CAF has decided, since May 2010, that Burundi is no longer authorized to host international matches.

Promises, and More Promises

According to forecasts from the Burundian Football Federation (FFB), the construction work was due to end in May 2023. The deputy general secretary of the FFB, Avellin Basegeta, announced that the progress was estimated at 15% of the work.

Much to the dismay of football fans, this commitment was not honored and the work continued. In November 2022, Reverien Ndikuriyo, the president of the committee in charge of construction, together with the president of the FFB and the engineer in charge of the work, announced that the renovation had reached an increase of 29%. The promise added that “The stadium will probably be finished in June 2023”.

The mayor of the city, Jimmy Hatungimana, had long suggested that the likely inauguration date would be July 1, 2023. This date, which symbolizes the commemoration of Burundi’s independence, was to mark a decisive turning point for Burundi sports – the inauguration of the Intwari stadium. However, this long-awaited day was not seen in establishing this much-hoped-for infrastructure. People were waiting.

It should be noted that Intwari stadium is not just a simple building. It is a symbol of the hope of the Burundian generation that aspires to see their country shine on the international sporting world. International standards are not only required for hosting quality events, but are also essential to ensure the safety of players and spectators. In a world where sport has become a vector of diplomacy and economic development, Burundi cannot afford to remain on the sidelines.

Economic Results, but Also Sports

At the time of publication of this paper, the progress of the work was estimated “about 95%” according to Minister Gervais Abayeho. However, the reality on the ground seems to be different. The delay in commissioning this infrastructure has economic consequences. Since the start of the renovation of the Intwari stadium, Burundi has rented a stadium in another country to host every international match that was to be played at home. The same goes for Burundian clubs that have to participate in African tournaments or competitions. This is a cost because renting a stadium in a foreign country is done in foreign currency. In sport, it is also a disadvantage. The fans, who are considered as the 12th player, do not come to encourage their teams during the relocated matches, which means that Burundian teams are often beaten. In fact, Burundian teams have recorded only 6 wins in the last 15 matches. Therefore, the homeland of Malick and Mudeyi is not only losing games, but also money by renting FIFA standard stadiums to its neighbors.

When asked by parliamentarians, who are keen to understand the situation, the Minister of Sports, Gervais Abayeho, announced on October 15, 2024, that the stadium would be operational from 2025. Hopefully, this time will be the right one, that the players and football fans will come together at the brand new Intwari stadium to enjoy their passion. Inshallah!