There are now questions surrounding the future for Djuma Masudi Irambona after Rayon Sports decided to temporarily relieve him of his duties as head coach following a string of poor results in the ongoing Rwanda premier league. Recent defeats against rivals APR FC and Kiyovu SC were at the center of the club’s decision to suspend the tactician whose team has had a frustrating start to the season. Prior to his appointment, the club management tasked Masudi to win the league title they last won during the 2018/19 season. However, the current results are showing the opposite, having managed three victories, two draws and two defeats in seven league games. As a result, the dressing room had already lost trust in the Burundian coach whose tactics have on many occasions been questioned by senior players. Masudi has on many occasions told members of the media that he was building a strong team that can get better results compared to the previous team which finished seventh in the league last season. He, however, called on the club management and the supporters to remain patient with the team’s current form and give him time to build a team that can win trophies. “I haven’t got my dream team but you can’t build a strong team in two months. The players have come from different leagues and they need time to adapt to the Rwandan league and get to understand each other. That’s why I am still looking for my first eleven to stick to,” he said. With the squad that Masudi had at his disposal, the club’s supporters have not been happy with the coach’s performance since he lost to APR FC 2-1 at Kigali Stadium. Things went from bad to worse when the club were held to a 2-2 draw against Espoir FC in Rusizi, a result that prompted the Blues fans to damage tyres of the tactician’s car. The pressure mounted on him and only a victory against Kiyovu SC on Sunday was believed to help him make peace with both the fans and the club management. However, a 2-0 defeat by the Mumena-based side signaled that there were high chances that the Burundian was set to be shown the exit door at any time. His employers took a decision to suspend him as they continue to evaluate his performance. “Rayon Sports head coach Masudi Djuma Irambona has been suspended by the club management following a poor run of results,” the club announced on Twitter on Tuesday, December 7. Meanwhile, Assistant coach Romami Marcel will take temporary charge as club caretaker. Reports suggest that the club management are searching for a replacement who can save the club’s title chase before it is too late. Rayon Sports sit fourth on the league table with 11 points, five behind table leaders Kiyovu SC.
