RWANDA: Led by their President Pierre Nkurunziza, a squad of high level government officials from Burundi humbled their Rwandese counterparts 2 - 0 in a football match held in Kigali over the weekend

The Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda was packed on Sunday (April 1) as people gathered to see the unusual sight of their president Paul Kagame leading a football squad of cabinet ministers against a similar team from neighbouring Burundi. The match was meant to boost relations between the two neighbouring countries who have shared a similar history of ethnic strife and internal conflict. Although Rwanda's president Paul Kagame turned up early at the stadium, it soon became apparent that the leggy ex-rebel had no intention of actually playing. Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi wasn't willing to delegate, and chose to personally lead his team into battle. Despite Rwanda's home advantage, Nkurunziza's men thrilled fans by quickly establishing their supremacy over their injury-prone counterparts. "This match is really extraordinary, its the first time we've seen presidents playing football, that's why we are laughing, it's a good example for other presidents," said Ismail Kayira, one of the spectators. Burundi drew first blood with a goal that swept past the hapless Rwandan defence. Rwanda's hopes of equalising were dashed when their neighbours hammered in a second goal. But the winners didn't spend too much time gloating after the final whistle. Their captain was quick to remind everyone of the true reason behind the match. "Sports helps to build friendships, and sports brings people closer together. It's very important because after that you can develop socially since your communication has been made easier," said Pierre Nkurunziza, Burundi's president. Despite Nkurunziza's gracious words, the fact remains that Burundi's victorious team will have bragging rights until a return match is organised; leaving Paul Kagame to wonder if the outcome might have been different if he had played in the match. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

ITN Source | April 3, 2007

Tags:. .seen. .didnt. .actually. .past. .match