“Rwanda Premier League contradicts FERWAFA”Contextual (regarding the trophy debate): “Rwanda Premier League goes against FERWAFA’s stance”

After FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice stated that only one league trophy would be awarded, the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) countered this claim, asserting that the top-ranked Rwandan team will also receive a trophy.
There has been significant debate regarding which team would be crowned champion if Sudan’s Al Hilal SC finishes in first place,specifically, whether they would take the trophy while the top Rwandan team receives only prize money.
FERWAFA President Shema Fabrice argued that, globally, only one trophy is awarded per league.
“Everywhere in the world, the championship is won by the team that finishes first,” he said. “If a Sudanese team finishes first, they will take the trophy. However, we have established ‘cash prizes’ for Rwandan teams based on their ranking.”
He explained that these prizes start at 80 million RWF and decrease down the table. “The top Rwandan team on that list will receive 80 million RWF. This means you could receive the 80 million without being first overall. If you are first overall, you get both the 80 million and the trophy.” He added that it was agreed with the Sudanese clubs that they would not be eligible for financial rewards even if they won the league.
The Rwanda Premier League’s Counter-Statement
However, the Rwanda Premier League issued a statement appearing to contradict Shema Fabrice, confirming that two trophies will be awarded.
- The Announcement: RPL informed fans, clubs, and partners that there will be two trophies for the 2025/26 BK Pro League, consistent with previous communications regarding the participation of Sudanese teams.
- The “Champions” Trophy: If a Sudanese team finishes first, they will be awarded the title of “BK Pro League Champions 2025/2026,” but they will not receive the financial prizes reserved for top-performing teams.
- The “National” Trophy: Additionally, the highest-ranked Rwandan team will be awarded the “BK Pro League National Champions” trophy and will represent Rwanda in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League.
Continental Qualification Rules
The Rwanda Premier League further clarified the rules for CAF competitions:
- If the team that wins the league also wins the Peace Cup (Igikombe cy’Amahoro), the second-placed team in the league standings will represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup, in accordance with FERWAFA competition regulations.
This clarifies the initial agreement made before Al Hilal SC and Al Merrikh SC joined the Rwandan league: that if a guest team wins, two trophies will be given out. Currently, Al Hilal SC is considered the favorite to finish at the top of the table.
