Rayon Sports activities stand on the point of historical past as they put together to face Kenyan champions Gor Mahia within the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup remaining at Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
After a formidable unbeaten marketing campaign, capped by Tuesday's 2-1 semifinal victory over South Sudan's Jamus SC, the Blues are only one win away from ending a 28-year look ahead to regional glory.
Rayon final lifted the CECAFA title in 1998, defeating Tanzania's Mlandege FC 2-1 within the remaining. Almost three a long time later, the Kigali giants have one other alternative to reclaim the crown—this time in entrance of their house supporters.
ALSO READ: Rayon see off Jamus to succeed in first CECAFA Kagame Cup remaining
For members of the victorious 1998 squad, the prospect of seeing Rayon Sports activities topped champions as soon as once more is particularly significant.
Former midfielder Billy Mbusa Kombi, who featured in that historic triumph, recalled the satisfaction of successful the title and expressed confidence within the present staff.
“It was a really particular second for us and for the entire membership. We’re glad to see Rayon Sports activities reaching this stage once more, and our prayers are with the staff to win the trophy as soon as extra,” Mbusa advised Weekend Sport.
Mbusa and Zappy Mola scored the objectives that secured Rayon's well-known victory over Mlandege in Zanzibar.
Mola believes the present squad should undertake the identical successful mentality if they’re to carry the trophy.
“Successful the CECAFA Cup was a privilege for us, nevertheless it got here as a result of we had the mindset of champions. The present gamers must have that very same mentality in the event that they need to carry the trophy,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on the success of the 1998 aspect, he added, “We had a robust squad that had been collectively for a very long time. We understood one another effectively, and that chemistry helped us construct a staff able to successful the CECAFA title.”
New-look Rayon making an announcement
Rayon Sports activities have received all 4 of their matches on this 12 months's event, conceding only one objective throughout their run to the ultimate.
Lengthy-time supporter and former staff supervisor Gérard Migambi believes the membership's latest recruitment has reworked the staff.
“A number of credit score goes to the committee for laying the muse of a robust staff. The recruitment has been wonderful, and so they introduced in high quality gamers who’ve made an enormous distinction. I imagine this staff can carry the trophy,” Migambi mentioned.
ALSO READ: Rayon search to ‘rewrite CECAFA historical past’ forward of Jamus conflict
Few predicted that Rayon Sports activities would attain the ultimate after a number of inconsistent seasons, however the membership's revamped recruitment technique has shortly modified perceptions because the appointment of Belgian Dylan Lienart as technical director in Might.
New signings Antonio Kossivi Atisso Kodjo, Elie Tatou Iradukunda, Dande Junior, Ibrahim Djingarey and Junior Kameni have all made a right away impression, enjoying key roles within the membership's outstanding run.
Greater than only one remaining
Former Rayon Sports activities goalkeeper Eugene Eric Murangwa described the membership's return to the CECAFA remaining as a significant milestone after years of rebuilding.
“Reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup remaining for the primary time in 28 years is a major milestone for Rayon Sports activities. It’s not solely a mirrored image of the staff's performances on the pitch, but additionally a transparent indication that the membership is transferring in the fitting route after years of turbulence and the latest rebuilding course of,” Murangwa mentioned.
“This achievement ought to encourage everybody related to Rayon Sports activities—gamers, coaches, administration and supporters—to imagine as soon as once more that sustained success is feasible.”
Whereas he hopes Rayon reclaim the trophy, Murangwa confused that the membership's long-term ambitions prolong past Friday's remaining.
“The speedy goal is to complete the job and ensure the trophy stays at house, simply because the membership did in 1998. Nonetheless, whether or not Rayon Sports activities wins the trophy or not, this shouldn’t be seen as the ultimate vacation spot,” he mentioned.
“The broader mission of re-establishing the membership on the summit of Rwandan and regional soccer should proceed with persistence, stability and a long-term imaginative and prescient.”
One remaining step
Head coach Francis Christian Haringingo has praised his gamers for sustaining an ideal file all through the event however insists their work is just not but full.
“The gamers have proven nice dedication and character all through the competitors,” the Burundian tactician mentioned.
“We’re glad to be within the remaining, however our goal is now to win the trophy. This event has additionally supplied good preparation forward of the brand new season, and we need to end it on a excessive.”
Friday's remaining guarantees an intriguing battle of contrasting strengths.
Rayon Sports activities could begin as slight favourites because of their unbeaten run, defensive file, and passionate house assist. Nonetheless, Gor Mahia's hard-fought victory over Al Hilal serves as a reminder that the ultimate is unlikely to be simple.
With hundreds of Rayon Sports activities supporters anticipated to fill Amahoro Stadium, the Blues have a golden alternative to finish a 28-year wait and write one other unforgettable chapter within the membership's historical past.
If Haringingo's males can preserve the defensive self-discipline that has outlined their marketing campaign and capitalize on their probabilities in entrance of objective, Friday may lastly be the evening that Rayon Sports activities finish their 28-year CECAFA Cup drought.
Including additional incentive, the event winners will obtain US$30,000, whereas the runners-up will earn US$20,000. The third-placed staff will take house US$10,000.
For Rayon Sports activities, nonetheless, the largest prize is just not monetary. It’s the probability to win what would their first trophy since President Paul Kagame began sponsoring the event in 2002.
