In the heart of Rwandan football, a storm was brewing that threatened to shake the very foundations of Gasogi United. Charles Kakooza Nkuriza (KNC), the club’s proprietor, had just dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the football community. Gasogi United, a once-prominent force in Rwandan football, was to be disbanded with immediate effect.
The announcement came in the aftermath of a bitter 1-0 league loss to AS Kigali at the Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday, January 27. Ironically, KNC had named the referee ‘man of the match,’ but not in praise. In a post-match interview that left journalists astounded, he accused the referee of biased decisions that ultimately led to his team’s defeat.
“Only four minutes were added to the game, while the opposing team wasted much time on the pitch. The referee played as if he was part of their team,” KNC asserted, disappointment etched across his face. He pointed out a crucial penalty that went unnoticed, deepening his conviction that corruption had infiltrated the sport.
But this decision wasn’t solely based on one game. KNC had long been battling against what he perceived as ‘unfair refereeing calls.’ His frustration reached a tipping point, leading him to declare, “We are not investing in Rwandan football anymore.”
He had already conveyed the decision to the coaches and players, emphasizing the need to settle debts and allowing those who wished to depart the opportunity to do so. Gasogi United, once a symbol of competition and resilience, was now on the brink of dissolution.
This wasn’t the first time KNC had contemplated such a move. In January 2022, he withdrew the team from the league, citing corrupt refereeing. However, he made a U-turn, returning Gasogi United to the competitions. This time, though, he expressed a sense of finality, insisting he wouldn’t regret the decision.
KNC, a passionate advocate for fair play, felt he had exhausted all efforts to bring positive change to Rwandan football. The burden of fighting against corruption had taken a toll on him, especially since he faced charges for ‘speaking the truth’ about the state of the game.
“We can’t play without fair play because we invest our time and money. We’re fed up with corruption in the game,” KNC declared, encapsulating the frustration of a man who had dedicated himself to the beautiful game.
With Gasogi United’s disbandment, KNC announced that the team wouldn’t continue in the Peace Cup, forfeiting their anticipated quarterfinal clash against APR FC. The final whistle had blown not just on a football match but on an era for Gasogi United, leaving a void that echoed the unresolved battle against corruption in Rwandan football.
