SKOL Brewery Ltd (SBL) has renewed its sponsorship partnership with Rayon Sports, extending a relationship that has lasted for more than 12 years, with the brewery transitioning from Platinum Sponsor to Gold Sponsor.

The renewed agreement was unveiled on Wednesday, June 24, at Rayon Sports’ headquarters in Kigali. The one-year deal is worth Rwf185 million and comes just a month after the previous partnership agreement came to an end.

Although the new contract is shorter than the previous three-year deal signed in 2022, both parties stressed that the relationship remains strong and mutually beneficial.

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Speaking during the signing ceremony, SKOL Brewery General Manager Eric Gilson said the decision to opt for a one-year agreement was made after discussions between the two parties and was based on business considerations.

"It is a change, but we sat down together and found that it was the right move from a business perspective. However, based on our experience working together over the years, this partnership continues to run smoothly,” Gilson said.

Under the renewed agreement, SKOL will continue supporting the club’s operational activities, provide equipment and branding support, and offer financial assistance when needed.

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Rayon Sports will retain access to the training facilities in Nzove, while SKOL will continue providing accommodation facilities near the training ground, capable of housing up to 40 players.

In addition, the brewery will maintain its support through performance bonuses for trophy victories, annual funding for team kits, and fan engagement initiatives such as the Rayon Sports Player of the Month award.

Rayon Sports president Abdallah Murenzi welcomed the renewed partnership, noting that the long-standing relationship has played a key role in the club’s development.

"A few days ago, many people misinterpreted the statement released by SKOL. However, after our discussions, we agreed that nothing significant would change. Everything will remain as it was, and we are happy to continue this journey together,” Murenzi said.

The partnership between Rayon Sports and SKOL dates back to May 2014, when the brewery signed an initial three-year sponsorship agreement worth Rwf47 million annually.

In 2017, the deal was renewed for five years, with SKOL increasing its annual contribution to Rwf66 million. The most recent three-year agreement was signed in 2022 before expiring earlier this year.