Rwanda of 1884 assigned the territory to Germany as part of German East Africa, marking the beginning of the colonial era. The explorer Gustav Adolf von Götzen was the first European to significantly explore the country in 1894; he crossed from the south-east to Lake Kivu and met the king. The Germans did not significantly alter the social structure of the country, but exerted influence by supporting the king and the existing hierarchy and delegating power to local chiefs. Belgian forces took control of Rwanda and Burundi in 1916, during World War I, beginning a period of more direct colonial rule.
Football in Rwanda Football in Rwanda The sport of football in the country of Rwanda is run by the Fédération Rwandaise de Football Association. The association administers the national football team, as well as the Rwandan Premier League. Football is the most popular sport in Rwanda. The Rwanda national team has traditionally been among the weaker sides in African football. They have attempted to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations on a number of occasions but managed this only once, in 2004. Although eliminated in the first round Rwanda did manage to defeat former champions Congo DR and draw with Guinea. They