Rayon players earn lucrative bonuses after CECAFA Kagame Cup triumph

Rayon Sports players have been handsomely rewarded after ending the club’s 28-year wait for CECAFA Kagame Cup glory with a historic triumph in Kigali. The Blues lifted their second regional title by defeating Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time in the final at Amahoro Stadium on August 7. Beyond the trophy, the victory brought substantial financial rewards for the players and technical staff. Ahead of the final, club president Abdallah Murenzi pledged to give the squad 50 percent of the tournament’s $30,000 (approximately Rwf44.1 million) prize money if they won the title. Following the victory, $15,000 (about Rwf22 million) was shared among the players. The celebrations were further boosted by the club’s main sponsor, Bank of Kigali (BK), which awarded Rwf1 million to each player and member of the coaching staff in recognition of the achievement. Murenzi declined to disclose how much each player received, saying he wanted to protect them from unnecessary public attention. “Let’s put aside the exact figures because players can face many challenges when people know how much they have received. What is important is that they are happy with the rewards they have got,” Murenzi said. The official bonuses were only part of the reward package. Businesspeople, club supporters and well-wishers also pledged additional cash incentives to celebrate Rayon Sports’ return to the summit of East and Central African football. Fans living in Europe and other parts of the world reportedly contributed further bonuses for the players and staff ahead of the new season. As a result, the total amount received by individual players varies depending on how the donations and pledges were distributed. Sources close to the club say some players are expected to receive bonuses exceeding Rwf2,000,000, with others likely to earn even more once all contributions are finalised.