Africa-Press – Rwanda. As the 2024/25 Rwanda Premier League campaign enters its defining phase, Rayon Sports find themselves at a critical juncture where they have a very good chance to win the title or still can end it empty-handed, for their own making.
Despite reclaiming the top spot with five matches to play, the Blues’ ambitions of ending a six-year league title drought are being overshadowed by internal turmoil that could derail their push at the most decisive point.
At the heart of this storm is right-back Fitina Omborenga, a key figure in Rayon’s setup, who has formally requested to terminate his contract due to what he describes as the club’s failure to honor key contractual obligations.
In a letter addressed to club president Thadee Twagirayezu on May 7, Omborenga accused the club of not only failing to pay his agreed recruitment (sign-on) fee but also consistently delaying his (monthly) salary payments.
“I am writing this letter to you so that we terminate the contract I have with Rayon Sports on mutual agreement because you did not respect what was in my contract, including not giving me my recruitment fees and always not paying me in time,” Omborenga wrote.
The Rwanda international only joined Rayon last June, penning a two-year deal from arch-rivals APR FC.
His request to leave after less than a year — especially during a title chase — is not only a blow to the club’s squad depth but also symbolic of deeper systemic issues that continue to plague the country’s most supported club.
Omborenga’s absence from the starting lineup in Rayon’s last three games, including their 2-0 defeat to APR in the Peace Cup final last Sunday, has fueled speculation that his relationship with the club has soured, probably beyond repair.
His situation brings back painful memories of previous contractual disputes involving high-profile names like Haruna Niyonzima, who left last year under similar circumstances after the club failed to pay his sign-on fee.
Rayon Sports have had similar issues with coaches too, the standout being Raoul Shungu, arguably the club’s most famous coach, took them to FIFA over the unpaid arrears. Rayon were ordered to pay or risk an international ban.
But the drama doesn’t end there. Current head coach Roberto “Robertinho” Oliveira, who returned to the club last July for a second stint, remains suspended by the club’s board.
The Brazilian tactician, earning a reported $5,000 per month, was put on (forced) leave on April 14 after a run of two wins in 10 games saw Rayon surrender a comfortable lead at the summit of the table.
Rayon Sports Women head coach Claude Rwaka has since taken over and managed to steer the team back to the top.
However, Sunday’s Peace Cup final loss has reignited doubts about his readiness to lead a club of Rayon’s stature, with some board members reportedly lobbying for Robertinho’s return before the season concludes.
This internal friction could prove costly. APR, chasing a sixth consecutive league title and a record-extending 23rd overall, are breathing down Rayon’s neck.
The reigning and defending champions have a relatively favorable run-in with home games against Amagaju, and Gorilla FC, away to Rwamagana before finishing at home to Musanze FC.
Rayon, on the other hand, face tricky fixtures against Police FC, and Bugesera FC on the road, before ending the campaign with home matches against Vision FC and Gorilla FC.
With no room for error, any dip in focus — caused by contract disputes or coaching uncertainty — could hand APR the opening they need.
For Rayon fans, the dream of lifting the league title once again is tantalizingly close, but unless the club’s leadership urgently addresses the off-field distractions, that dream may quickly fade.
A resolution on Omborenga’s future and a decisive stand on Robertinho’s status are imperative if Rayon are to maintain the cohesion and belief necessary to finish the job.
In a season where they’ve often been their own worst enemy, Rayon must now choose between implosion and glory. The title is within reach — but only if the club can get out of its own way.
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