Rayon Sports in partnership with Airtel Money unveiled a new digital platform that will allow its supporters to seamlessly register as members and make financial contributions to the team using USSD code. The system, officially launched on Monday, August 25, at Zaria Court, has been described by officials as a “historic milestone” in the club’s journey toward financial sustainability and modern management. ALSO READ: SKOL and Rayon Sports FC return with ‘Rayon Week, a two-week nation-wide celebration Accessible through *702#, the system enables both smartphone and non-smartphone users to register, pay membership fees, and make contributions either individually or on behalf of fan clubs. Fans will also be able to contribute to specific players or projects within the team. “This is undeniably a historic and unforgettable day in the history of Rayon Sports,” said Rayon Sports Association President Thadée Twagirayezu. “It is a day we had long been waiting for, one that revives the hopes and future of Rayon Sports. Just as we always remember that Rayon Sports gained legal recognition in 1968, this day too will remain a landmark in our history.” Twagirayezu underscored that the achievement was the result of determined effort. “This did not just fall from the sky – God worked through people. I want to thank those at the forefront of this initiative: Paul Muvunyi, Claude Rwagacongo, and Abdallah Murenzi. These men have worked tirelessly,” he noted. “When you achieve something great like we have today, it is also a moment to prepare for even bigger achievements, because if you stop here, you won’t reach your full goal.” How the system works The new USSD platform is designed with simplicity and security at its core. First-time users who dial *702# are automatically redirected to the registration menu. Once registered, they can opt into membership, pay fees, and receive a digital membership certificate that can be downloaded through a secure web application. ALSO READ: Abedi Bigirimana agrees to Rwf25m Rayon Sports move Contributions are not limited to members. Non-members can also support the team, while fan club presidents are allowed to make contributions on behalf of their clubs, provided they are themselves registered members. Every transaction is processed through Airtel Money and MTN Momo, securely delivered to an IM Bank wallet, and automatically credited to the club’s official bank account. Fans then receive confirmation via SMS, ensuring transparency. According to officials, the system offers several advantages, including real-time settlement into the club’s bank account, fast and secure payments, and accessibility even for non-smartphone users. ALSO READ: Rayon Sports name Tunisian tactician as new head coach Security has been a key focus of the initiative where IM Bank has configured a dedicated wallet validation system to ensure that every transaction is verified against the sender’s phone number, mobile provider, and transaction ID. A separate transfer mechanism has been reserved exclusively for Rayon Sports transactions, while all services are integrated using secure REST APIs with token-based authentication. Two distinct digital wallets have been set up for effective financial management. One wallet holds the mandatory contributions of all members; it is regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and cannot be tampered with. The second wallet contains funds that can be freely used, for example in buying players or other operational needs. The system is already gaining traction even before its formal rollout. So far, more than 8,000 people have already registered in this system, which is something to celebrate even before the official launch. Among them, over 150 shareholders have already bought shares worth Rwf 30,000 each as part of their mandatory contribution. To ensure widespread adoption, Rayon Sports will embark on an awareness campaign through media channels, social media, public shows, matchday promotions, and outreach events. ALSO READ: Bayisenge: I joined Rayon Sports to win trophies Rayon unveils new Rwf 200m team bus During the launch, Rayon Sports also unveiled a brand-new team bus worth over $135,000 (Rwf196.1 million), a milestone that was celebrated alongside the introduction of the digital initiative. The bus was unveiled with the logos of the partners in this project that included Airtel Money, Skol, and Forza and these partner brands will appear on the bus throughout the coming season as part of the existing partnership agreement and beyond. Paul Muvunyi, Chairman of Rayon Sports’ Supreme Organ, emphasized that the launch placed the club ahead of most of its peers. “Only a few clubs under FERWAFA have the ability to stand where we stand today. Others who follow will be like our younger brothers,” Muvunyi said. He further thanked partners such as Airtel Money and IM Bank, who have been instrumental in developing and operationalizing the system and giving the club’s new smooth transportation a new direction.
