PHOTOS: Five clubs compete in fifth edition of Father Misuraca Tournament

The fifth edition of the Father Vito Misuraca Memorial Football Tournament has officially kicked off, celebrating the enduring legacy of the late Italian priest whose work transformed the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children in Rwanda.

The annual amateur football competition began on Sunday, July 19, and will run until August 16.

The competition brings together five community clubs—AS Lurons FC, Ukwezi FC, Ingenzi FC, Ndera FC and Red Fire FC—in a tournament honouring the founder of the Mère du Verbe Orphanage.

Organisers say the competition is more than a football event.

It is a tribute to a man remembered for caring for vulnerable children, including orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while promoting education, sport and community development.

AS Lurons FC, the club founded by Father Misuraca and now responsible for organising the tournament, said the event was created to preserve his remarkable legacy.

“We organise this tournament to remember the good work Father Misuraca did. He raised many children, and I was one of them,” said Isidore Gatwaza, president of AS Lurons FC.

Isidore recalled how Father Misuraca went beyond providing shelter by ensuring children received an education, guidance, support and opportunities to participate in sport.

“He worked hard to make sure we had a better future. He found schools for us, raised us and encouraged us to play football because he believed sport was an important part of our development”, he added

Father Misuraca established AS Lurons FC in 1997 as a platform for children from the orphanage to develop their football talent and life skills.

Over the years, the club expanded to include young people from the wider community and is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.

Organisers also highlighted Father Misuraca’s wider contribution to Rwanda, saying his legacy extends beyond the orphanage.

In addition to supporting vulnerable children, he helped establish schools and played a role in founding Ejo Heza Hospital, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Although he was not raised at the orphanage, local resident Rwabuhungu Eric said Father Misuraca’s kindness and vision influenced generations of children across the neighbourhood.

“We started playing on this field in 1997. The field was little more than rough ground, scarred by ditches and uneven surfaces. Through regular community work, we slowly transformed it into the beautiful football pitch that serves the community today”.

“His commitment went beyond the orphanage, as he also created opportunities for children from the surrounding community to enjoy football in a safe environment. The memorial tournament serves as a lasting tribute to his vision and the positive influence he had on generations of young people,” He added

Twenty-one years after his passing, Father Vito Misuraca’s influence remains deeply rooted in Rwanda, where his compassion, dedication to vulnerable children and belief in the power of football continue to inspire new generations.

Photos

Gatwaza honours Father Misuraca, an unforgettable priest who changed their lives during difficult times

Rwabuhungu praises Father Misuraca’s vision that transformed children’s lives through sport.