For the first time in 28 years, Rayon Sports may win the CECAFA Kagame Cup after booking their place in the final. Their run to the 2026 showpiece has been built on strong performances on the pitch, but the achievement is also a result of deliberate work carried out off it. In this article, Times Sport looks at what Rayon has done right in order to put up such a show on the regional level: - Strong leadership that brought stability One of the most significant changes at Rayon Sports has been the emergence of a more focused and ambitious leadership structure under club president Abdallah Murenzi. Over the past months, the club leadership has worked to restore confidence around the team, strengthen management structures and create an environment where the technical staff can operate with greater stability. The administration has also been proactive in attracting partners and improving the club's image, helping Rayon Sports look increasingly organised both on and off the field of play. For a club that has often experienced administrative turbulence in recent years, the renewed sense of direction has provided an important foundation for success. - Aggressive recruitment This season, the club invested significantly in strengthening nearly every department of the squad. Among the headline arrivals is Junior Kameni, a vastly experienced Cameroonian striker whose career has taken him across Africa, Asia and Europe. The club also signed Cameroonian goalkeeper Dande Junior, bringing additional quality and competition in goal after spells with clubs such as AS Vita Club and Séwé Sport. In attack, Rayon secured the services of Togolese striker Antonio Atisso Kodjo, who arrived after winning the Benin Ligue 1 Golden Boot with 16 goals. Other notable additions include Central African Republic winger Boris Gbenou, midfielder Akbar Muderi from Gasogi United, defender Didier Nshuti from Gorilla FC, forward Elie Tatu Iradukunda from Mukura VS and midfielder Daniel Muhoza from Etoile de l'Est. - Francis Haringingo's tactical influence Another factor has been the appointment of head coach Francis Haringingo. The Burundian tactician has quickly instilled tactical discipline, organisation, and a winning mentality within the squad. Throughout the tournament, Rayon Sports have appeared well-structured defensively while remaining dangerous in attack. They have shown the ability to control possession, exploit transitions, and adapt their approach depending on the opposition. - Improved squad depth Past Rayon Sports teams often relied heavily on a few standout performers. And this new version is different. The Blues have developed a squad capable of influencing matches from multiple areas of the pitch. Against Jamus SC, goals came from Akbar Muderi, Ibrahim Djingarey and Gloire Tambwe. The fact that Tambwe came off the bench to score underlined the depth now available to the coaching staff. - Financial boost and sponsorship support Recent sponsorship agreements have provided resources that help Rayon Sports compete more effectively, both in player recruitment and team preparations. The club has three significant sponsorhsip deals including one with BK, and a renewed one with SKOL. - Home advantage The return of the CECAFA Kagame Cup to Kigali may be one of the most overlooked reasons behind Rayon Sports' remarkable campaign. Throughout the tournament, thousands of supporters have turned stadiums into a sea of blue and white. From the group stage to the semifinal, Rayon fans have consistently turned out in huge numbers, creating one of the most vibrant atmospheres in the competition.
