Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunzinza is a former rebel leader who loves football. We found him playing in the capital Bujumbura during this year’s peace run. The event was held to show the world that Burundi had overcome its political crisis. Donning in adidas boots and jogging gear warmed up for the training session. The president was playing with government workers and members of his security detail.
Before the match, the president led his team in drills which included squats and stretches. The Burundi government spokesperson, Willy Nyamwito said that the president sometimes played with members of the public. “Plays with everybody, you know when he visits a province or a commune for example in the country side, he plays with the population as well, he can also play with the Policemen, soldiers and some civil servants so everybody can play with the President in this country.” Said, the government spokesperson. Then came the ball control drills where the President showcased his talent. Nkurunzinza was a sports lecturer at the University of Burundi before joining a rebel group that brought him to power.
“The President has a team, a football called Haleluyah FC but he also has an academy.” Said, the government spokesperson. Some of the President’s close confidants told us that he also trains soldiers in military tactics. “Sometimes he takes his time to go to the military academy and teach himself about military tactics, civism and anything that military or Policemen need in their career.” Said, the government spokesperson. I asked Nyamwito whether they had fears that the president could be targeted by his distractors as he played with his ordinary folks. “We are doubting this could happen because you know, the population, the President meets the press population not only through sports but also in community works or in public meetings.” Said, government spokesperson.
President Pierre Nkurunzinza almost knows every game, he can play volleyball, cricket, and basketball and when it comes to football, he can dribble the ball for like two minutes on his head. But is the President’s love for football getting his country beyond its borders. “He succeeded to set up some teams that are really successful here in Burundi. I think if you see the stadiums that have been built by him and this academy of football he has set up. We saw that now some good players are emerging from Burundi, and we hope that in the future we will have some professionals who will go and play in some international clubs.” Said, the government spokesperson. Am told that if he doesn’t score a goal then the match does not end, is it true? “Oh no, that’s not true to be sincere. I think this is a kind of lies that are being spread by some people but you know there are rules. He scores because he is good when he is playing football but sometimes it happens that he doesn’t score.” Said, the government spokesperson.
