Kigali Pelé Stadium, nicknamed Nyamirambo Regional Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in the Nyamirambo neighbourhood of Kigali, Rwanda. It is currently used mostly for football matches and hosts several teams in the Rwanda Premier League, including APR FC and Rayon Sports.

Kigali Pelé Stadium
Nyamirambo Regional Stadium
Map
Coordinates1°58′41″S 30°02′39″E / 1.9781°S 30.0441°E / -1.9781; 30.0441
Capacity22,000
SurfaceArtificial turf
Tenants
APR F.C.
Rwanda national football team

It has an artificial turf surface and seats 22,000 spectators.[1] The stadium was deemed unfit to host international matches in 2021 by the Confederation of African Football and underwent a renovation that began in January 2023 ahead of the 73rd FIFA Congress, hosted by Kigali.[2] It reopened on March 15, 2023, and was renamed in honor of the late Brazilian footballer Pelé by Rwanda president Paul Kagame and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.[3][4]

In 1998, the stadium was used for the public executions of four individuals convicted of involvement in the Rwandan genocide, including Froduald Karamira.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Rwanda/South Africa: SA Firm to Renovate Nyamirambo Stadium". Allfrica.com. 2008-04-26. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  2. ^ Kamasa, Peter (January 3, 2023). "Teams relocate to Bugesera as renovation works at Kigali Stadium start". The New Times. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  3. ^ Nsabimana, Eddie (March 16, 2023). "Kagame honours Pele as Rwanda stadium is named after late icon". The New Times. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  4. ^ "Kigali Pelé Stadium inaugurated in Rwanda" (Press release). FIFA. March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  5. ^ "Partial List of Rwandans Executed". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2022-04-14.