During an oral question session in the Senate, the October 15, 2024the Minister of Sports 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 shortfall inherent in the delay in delivery of this infrastructure is economic, of course, but also sporting.
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 weariness. Unfulfilled commitments raise doubts: where is the blockage? Can we really hope that these deadlines will be respected?
As a reminder, the Intwari stadium, the former Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, has been under renovation since October 2022. Its renovation was decided with the aim of providing the country with a stadium that meets FIFA standards. We remember that CAF had 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 secretary general of the FFB, Avellin Basegeta, announced that the progress was estimated at 15% of the work. “.
To the great regret of football fans, this commitment was not honored and the work continued. In November 2022, Reverien Ndikuriyo, president of the committee responsible for construction, accompanied by the president of the FFB and the engineer in charge of the work, announced that the renovation had reached 29% progress. He added the promise that “the stadium will probably be finished with June 2023 ».
The mayor of the city, Jimmy Hatungimana, had long before suggested that the probable inauguration date would be July 1, 2023. This date, symbolic of the commemoration of the independence of Burundi, was to mark a decisive turning point for Burundian sport. with the inauguration of the Intwari stadium. However, this long-awaited day did not see the inauguration of this much-hoped-for infrastructure. People waited.
It should be noted that the Intwari stadium is not just a simple building. He is the symbol of hope of a Burundian generation who aspires to see their country shine on the international sporting scene. International standards are not only a requirement for hosting quality events, but they are also vital in ensuring 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 consequences, but also sporting
At the time of publication of this paper, the progress of the work was estimated “around 95%”according to Minister Gervais Abayeho. However, the reality on the ground appears 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 each international match that was to be played at home. The same goes for Burundian clubs which must participate in African tournaments or competitions. This has a cost because renting a stadium in a foreign country is done in foreign currency. Sportingly, it is also a disadvantage. Supporters, considered 12e player, do not come to support their teams during relocated matches, which means that Burundian teams are often beaten. Indeed, Burundian teams have recorded only 6 victories in the last 15 matches. Thus, the homeland of Malick and Mudeyi not only loses matches, but also money by renting FIFA standard stadiums to its neighbors.
When parliamentarians, keen to understand the situation, questioned the Minister of Sports, Gervais Abayeho, he announced on October 15, 2024 that the stadium would be operational from 2025. Let’s hope that this time will be the right one, that the players and football fans will converge at the brand new Intwari stadium to indulge their passion. Inshallah !
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Interview with Sports Infrastructure Expert Dr. Jean-Claude Nshungire
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Nshungire. Thank you for joining us today. The recent announcement about the Intwari stadium’s renovation reaching 95% completion has stirred a mix of hope and skepticism among the Burundian public. What is your take on this?
Dr. Nshungire: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The announcement certainly sounds promising, and I understand the excitement surrounding it. However, we have experienced similar claims in the past, and skepticism is justified. The Intwari stadium represents not just a venue, but the spirit of Burundian sports. After years of delays, we must ensure the renovations bring the expected standards and functionality.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned past delays. Can you elaborate on how these setbacks have impacted Burundi economically and in terms of sports performance?
Dr. Nshungire: Certainly. The repeated delays in completing the stadium have substantial economic implications. Not only do we fail to host international matches, which brings tourism and visibility, but we also miss out on the economic activities that come with them. Moreover, the lack of a venue that meets FIFA standards has hindered our athletes and national teams from competing on a level playing field. This can be disheartening for both players and fans who are eager to see their teams succeed internationally.
Time.news Editor: The Minister of Sports mentioned that, post-renovation, Burundi would no longer need to rent stadiums abroad for international matches. How significant is this promise for the future of Burundian sports?
Dr. Nshungire: This promise is significant, indeed. It could potentially revitalize sports culture in the country. Owning a stadium that meets international standards would encourage local events, bolster our national league, and attract international competitions, which can inspire young athletes and promote sports development in Burundi. However, the key will be delivering on this promise and maintaining the facility to the highest standards.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen optimism in previous announcements with commitments to timelines that were not met. What are the essential steps that need to happen to ensure this time it’s different?
Dr. Nshungire: Accountability is crucial. The governing sports and infrastructure bodies must work in collaboration and communicate transparently about the progress. It would also be beneficial to involve independent oversight to ensure that the promises translate into actions. Additionally, community engagement can foster a sense of ownership and support that can drive the project to completion. planning for ongoing maintenance and operational management after the completion is essential to ensure the stadium remains a reliable venue in the long term.
Time.news Editor: As a symbol of hope for many in Burundi, how can the completion of the Intwari stadium serve broader societal goals beyond sports?
Dr. Nshungire: The Intwari stadium represents a collective vision for a unified and thriving Burundi. It’s more than just a sports venue; it’s a platform for cultural exchange, community events, and even diplomacy. Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and the successful completion of this stadium can rekindle national pride. It can also serve as a catalyst for economic development in related sectors, engaging youth through sports and thereby reducing social tensions. In essence, it can contribute to healing and strengthening the fabric of Burundian society.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nshungire, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that while the path forward remains uncertain, the vision for the Intwari stadium carries significant potential for both sports and society.
Dr. Nshungire: Thank you for having me. I remain hopeful that this time, we will see the promised outcomes, and the Intwari stadium will indeed become a beacon of hope for our nation.