FERWAFA approves 16 clubs for 2026/27 BK pro league season

FERWAFA has approved 16 clubs to compete in the 2026/27 BK Pro League season after completing its club licensing assessment.

The licensing process comes as Rwanda prepares for a new season featuring a mixture of established giants, ambitious provincial clubs and newly promoted sides.

The FERWAFA Club Licensing First Instance Body (FIB) conducted its assessment from August 12 to 14, examining clubs against sporting, infrastructure, administrative and personnel, legal and financial requirements.

Of the 16 clubs approved, 14 received their licenses without sanctions, while two were licensed subject to disciplinary measures.

APR FC, Rayon Sports, Gasogi United, Musanze FC, Marines FC, Etoile de l’Est, AS Kigali, Police FC, Sunrise FC, Gicumbi FC, Mukura VS&L, Gorilla FC, Bugesera FC and Amagaju FC were all licensed without sanctions.

Etincelles FC and Kiyovu Sports FC were licensed with sanctions.

FERWAFA said Etincelles was sanctioned for failing to participate in mandatory youth competitions, while Kiyovu Sports was sanctioned over outstanding payments owed to former employees.

APR FC will enter the campaign as the defending Rwandan champions after completing another dominant domestic season.

The Army side secured their seventh consecutive league title and 24th overall in 2025/26, continuing their remarkable dominance of Rwandan football.

The 2025/26 competition also featured Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC and Al Merrikh SC as guest teams.

Al Hilal finished top of the overall standings and were crowned BK Pro League champions, while APR were the highest-ranked Rwandan club and therefore national champions.

Rayon Sports, one of Rwanda’s most successful and popular clubs, finished fourth overall and second among Rwandan teams.

The Blues secured a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, while Kiyovu Sports finished fifth overall after a strong campaign.

The new season will also welcome Sunrise FC and Etoile de l’Est.

Their promotion follows the relegation of Rutsiro FC and AS Muhanga, who finished 18th and 17th respectively in the 2025/26 campaign.

Sunrise and Etoile de l’Est will return to the top flight as Rwanda reshapes its 18-team league structure, although the licensed Rwandan clubs listed by FERWAFA currently number 16.

Etoile de l’Est’s return is particularly notable after the club was selected to replace Unity FC, which withdrew from top-flight football because of financial difficulties.

FERWAFA invoked its competition regulations to award the place to Etoile de l’Est.

The campaign is scheduled to begin on September 4, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2027.

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