The students union known as Association Generale Des etudiants de I’Universite Libre de Kigali (AGEULK) of Kigali Independent University (ULK) organized a friendly match between international and local students this Friday 01/04/2022.

The football game took place at ULK ground where both teams drew by 2:2 before a 400 student fan base.  

The Vice. Chancellor of ULK, Dr. Rusibana Claude, pointed out that such friendly game was necessary for students to improve their relationships whether local or international especially those in level one. 

Dr. Rusibana Claude the Vic. Chancellor of Kigali Independent University (ULK)

“This is a great impression on our campus especially welcoming the international students into our campus premises,” Dr. Rusibana said.

"We even request other universities with international students to practice the same habit because it levels up the spirit of unity and cooperation within students." He added.

Dr. Rusibana said, “Such games including will always be organized as a way of increasing friendship and co-curricular skills among students.”

The students’ guild president, Murwanashyaka Evariste, also urged how important this friendly football game was impactful to both International and local students.

“This is was so necessary to level up the integration of international students in sports on campus and even the launch of sports resumption in the campus,” Murwanashyaka said.

He added that this is done to maintain and improve love, friendship, and humor among ULK students through sports.

Murwanashyaka Evariste the guild president of ULK (AGEULK)

Emmanuel Jada Cosmas, an international student from level 2 doing land survey, also acting as the captain for international students’ team speaking to The campus media also noted how interesting the game was.

“I am happy when I win. I don't like to lose. I know it hurts when you are losing and that is why I fight for my team to win the 3points. About losing, it teaches me a lot, about my mistakes and our mistakes and stands to correct them.”

Emmanuel added that this game was of great impression to us as international students being from different nationalities. I think football is a game that unites every race, it has one language that everyone understands and I think it will create lots of friendship amongst the players from both teams.

He added that his proud to be an international student and this works for me as an opportunity to venture to different countries and gain more experience in the living standards of various cultures.

“Being an international student is very good for me. Sometimes when you study far from your family, it feels a little hard to adapt to that but I got along anyway and I feel at home now. It's like I really never left home about 5000 kilometers from here (South Sudan).” Emmanuel said.

Emmanuel Jada Cosmas from South Sudan, Acting Captain of International students' team

Kwizera Enock a Rwandan student acting as a coach for the Rwandan team is in the level 2 civil engineering department in construction technology also appreciated the idea that combining international students and Rwandans in sports is to improve the heart of content for international students on campus premises.

Kwizera said, “It is important to us as Rwandan students as it improves friendship among us as Rwandans and international students as they feel comfortable and contented.

He added that this football match showed up students’ talents to both international and Rwandan students who can even join the university team where possible.

“I advise my fellow students to keep the heart of love and peace, especially via entertaining events like sports and other co-circular skills,” Kwizera pointed out.

Use of sports for varsity students

Organized, well-structured youth sports and on-going physical activities can provide many benefits for varsity students. Positive experiences that sports and an active lifestyle bring play an important role in a young person’s life.

Sports teach teamwork and problem-solving skills

Fighting for a common goal with a group of players and coaches teaches you how to build teamwork and effectively communicate to solve problems. This experience is helpful when encountering problems at work or at home.

Physical health benefits of sports

Clearly, sports can help you reach your fitness goals and maintain a healthy weight. However, they also encourage healthy decision-making such as not smoking and not drinking. Sports also have hidden health benefits such as lowering the chance of osteoporosis or breast cancer later in life.

Sports boost self-esteem

Watching your hard work pay off and achieving your goals develops self-confidence. Achieving a sport or fitness goal encourages you to achieve other goals you set. This is a rewarding and exciting learning process.

Reduce pressure and stress with sports

Exercising is a natural way to loosen up and let go of stress. You can also make new friends who can be there for you as a support system. When you feel under pressure or stressed, call up a teammate, head to the gym, to talk and play it out.

Students have to participate in school sports to increase confidence, mental alertness, and self-esteem. Sports are important in schools because it helps to teach various skills to students like leadership, patience, patience, team efforts, and social skills.