Rayon to wait longer for new coach

Rayon Sports will have to wait longer for a new coach as the man they have set their sights on will arrive a little longer than previously thought. Belgian tactician Luc Eymael, who’s tipped to take over the Nyanza-based club after the sudden resignation of Frenchman Didier Gomez da Rosa, is now expected in three weeks time – at the earliest – after it became clear he would not make it in advance of the February 8 Champions League game due to visa procedures. The Blues have decided that Eymael should replace Gomez who threw in the towel this month reportedly due to pay delays. The Belgian coach has confirmed he’s processing travel documents to Rwanda for talks with the reigning league champions but no deal has been reached yet. Theogene Ntampaka, the club chairman, said: “We have taken a decision to focus on Eymael. He will arrive in the country in three weeks time following delays in acquiring Rwanda visa – which we understand takes two weeks.” The development means that Rayon Sports will play their CAF Champions league first leg tie away to Congo’s AC Leopards de Dolisie without a permanent coach. Caretaker head coach Billy Mbusa Kombi, who has indicated interest in the job on a permanent basis, will now be the man in the dugout when the team play their first Champions League game in eight years – early next month. He’s assisted by former blues teammate Thierry Hitimana. “We need a long-term coach, but in the meantime assistant coaches will remain in charge and will oversee the first leg tie against AC Leopards de Dolisie. We hope to agree on a deal as soon as he arrives,” Nampaka said. Speaking to Kenyan media recently, the former coach of Kenya’s AFC Leopards confirmed that the Rwandan champions had sought his services and that an agreement could be reached soon. “There is deal yet. I am in Belgium and waiting to process my visa to Rwanda. I am also waiting for my plane ticket, thereafter I be able to leave for Rwanda.” Eymael is an experienced coach with vast experience in African football having been with clubs like Vita Club of DR Congo, Missile FC in Gabon, MC Oran and later AFC Leopards of Kenya – where he was sacked only after two months. Rayon Sports are currently second on the table log.