Rayon chief hails Gomes’ influence

Rayon Sport Secretary General Olivier Gakwaya has spoken well of the influence coach Didier Gomez da Roza has had on the team since he took charge three months ago.

Monday, February 11, 2013
Fuadi Ndayisaba is one of the Rayon players, who have improved greatly under Frenchman Gomes (inset) since his arrival three months ago. The New Times / T. Kisambira.

TodayAPR         vs     Musanze Muhanga     vs    Espoir Etincelles     vs     Amagaju Kiyovu      vs     La Jeunesse Wednesday Isonga         vs     AS Kigali Rayon          vs     Marines Mukura     vs     PolicRayon Sport Secretary General Olivier Gakwaya has spoken well of the influence coach Didier Gomez da Roza has had on the team since he took charge three months ago.The Frenchman found the Nyanza-based side languishing near the relegation zone but since his arrival, the team’s fortunes have changed for the better—now the Blues are second on the table just a point behind the league leaders Police FC.According to Gakwaya, Gomez has done a great job in three months and signs are that the team will keep improving. He said, "We are pleased with his work and the way he has managed to turn things around in a short time, we want to win the league and we hope he is the man to lead Rayon to success.”Rwanda’s most popular team last won the league back in 2004 but Gakwaya is optimistic the drought could end this season. Rayon have 32 points, one adrift of Police and three ahead of champions APR FC, in third place."Since his (Gomes) arrival, everything has changed in and around the team, we have a united team with the best team spirit and comradeship we have had in the years. Under him, the payers have become more competitive and we hope team will continue to do well for the rest of the season,” Gakwaya told Times Sport.As for Gomes himself, despite the improvement the team has had under him, he prefers to keep his feet on the ground."We started the season badly but we are now second, just one point behind the leading team which is good for us. You have to perform well and consistently at this lev­el.  It’s still early but I’m happy with the way the guy have worked their back into contention for the title,” he said in a separate interview.Rayon will be hoping to continue their renaissance under Gomes on Wednesday when they host Marines in Nyanza, while Police are away to Mukura in Huye.But before that, the reigning champion APR are in action on Tuesday against seventh-placed Musanze at Stade de Kigali in Nyamirambo.The military side, chasing a record-extending 14th league title, drew 1-1 with Police in their last outing and will be hoping to close the gap on the two teams in front of them.