What a weekend it has been for everyone who loves Rayon Sports. Last Friday, I attended the official launch of the groundbreaking partnership between Rayon Sports and Bank of Kigali (BK), followed by the Rayon Sports Day Gala Get Together at Amahoro Stadium, where the club unveiled the Gikundiro Sporting Project, presented by the recently appointed Sporting Director, former Paris Saint-Germain technician Dylan Lienart. Listening to the vision behind this partnership and the sporting project, I experienced something I have rarely felt in more than four decades of being part of this great club: a genuine sense of vision, professionalism, ambition, competence and belief. The “One Club One Bank” philosophy and the Gikundiro Sporting Project provide the foundations for building the Rayon Sports we have always dreamed of—a club capable of excelling not only in Rwanda but also across the region and, ultimately, on the African stage. On Saturday, I had the privilege of being back on the pitch at Kigali Pelé Stadium alongside my fellow members of Les Inoubliables de Rayon Sports as we played a gala match against Cercle Sportif FC during the main Rayon Sports Day celebrations. It was a proud moment to once again wear the blue and white colours and reconnect with teammates who have helped shape the club's rich history. The celebrations that followed, the unveiling of the 2026–2027 Rayon Sports squad, and the international friendly against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC all reinforced the feeling that something special is beginning. From the organisation of the event and the electric atmosphere inside a packed Pele Stadium to the quality shown by the new squad and the convincing 2–0 victory, there were visible signs that the vision unveiled on Friday is already beginning to translate onto the pitch. Of course, one friendly match does not define a season. But what I saw gave me genuine optimism. Many of the new signings look like quality players. The team's style of play already shows encouraging signs and has the potential to develop into something exciting, dynamic and effective. Just as importantly, the fans have rediscovered a renewed sense of belief, while the club's leadership appears united around a common purpose and determined to work together for the benefit of the entire blue-and-white family. For years, Rayon Sports supporters have longed for meaningful change. This weekend felt different. It felt like the beginning of a new era—one built on vision, professionalism, planning and unity rather than hope alone. More importantly, I believe a stronger Rayon Sports is also good for Rwandan football. When our biggest clubs raise their standards, the entire game benefits. Better management, stronger competition, improved player development, fuller stadiums and greater commercial opportunities all contribute to the growth of our national sport. And when football grows, Rwanda benefits too through youth development, national pride, social cohesion and our country's image beyond our borders. For that reason, anyone who genuinely cares about the future of Rwandan football and the wellbeing of our nation should welcome and support this new chapter. Naturally, our rivals may view these developments with concern—that is the beauty of competition. But I would encourage them to look at the bigger picture and to embrace the values that make sport so powerful: fair play, sportsmanship and mutual respect. Strong rivals create stronger competitions, and stronger competitions produce stronger football. Now comes the most important part. Every supporter, former player, partner, leader and member of the Rayon Sports family has a role to play. Great clubs are not built overnight; they are built through patience, trust, collective commitment and everyone pulling in the same direction. I sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a journey that will restore Rayon Sports to where it truly belongs—at the summit of Rwandan football and among the leading clubs on the African continent. One Club. One Bank. Ikipe ni Rayon, Bank ni BK. The author is a Rayon Sports and Amavubi legend
