Vision Football Club of Kigali, best known for their youth empowerment programmes through football, have been celebrating their historic promotion to the Rwanda Premier League along with Rutsiro FC after 13 years in the second division.

Rutsiro beat Vision FC 2-1 to claim the honours as second division champions, but it is Vision FC who made history going to the topflight for the very first time.

The tightly contested match was made even more interesting with both teams tied on 10 points before the game.

Rutsiro took a 26th-minute lead through Eric Kwizera’s header, assisted by Jean Claude Nizeyimana.

Vision FC made some tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Radjab Mbanjineza in the place of team captain Vivens Mukunzi.

The change worked a treat as Mbanjineza won a free kick in the 52nd minute.

Harerimana crossed from the set piece and defender Richard Nsengimana headed in the equaliser.

Rutsiro won the playoffs mini league with 13 points and Vision finished second with 10 points.

Vision FC began as a youth empowerment project in Rwanda in December 2008 and club  president John Birungi shared his elation on what is a historic moment for the 15-year-old club.

“We are all very happy for our players, our coach and staff and everyone who have worked hard to achieve this historic moment.”

“We started this club as an offshoot of our youth programme which provided a platform for young people in the communities around Kigali and elsewhere around the country.”

“We then identified some really talented youngsters and for the last 13 years, we have been playing in the second division, but this is the first time we will be earning our place in the topflight.”

SRC:Supersport.com