Rayon Sports WFC are determined to turn last year’s disappointment into success when they compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, with the Rwandan champions targeting their maiden regional title and a place on the continental stage. The reigning Rwandan champions head into this year’s tournament with renewed confidence after dominating the domestic scene and gaining valuable experience from their previous regional campaigns. In the 2025 edition in Nairobi, Kenya, Rayon Sports came agonisingly close to securing a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League but finished runners-up after losing in the CECAFA Qualifier final to JKT Queens of Tanzania. That defeat remains a painful memory for the club, but it has also strengthened their resolve ahead of another attempt to conquer the region. The CECAFA Qualifiers bring together champions from East and Central Africa, with the winner earning the region’s sole ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League. ALSO READ: What to know about Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers Teams first compete in the group stage before advancing to the knockout rounds, with only the eventual champions securing a place on the continental stage. Head coach Claude Rwaka believes last year’s experience could prove crucial in their quest for success. “We were disappointed after losing the final last year because we had come very close to achieving our objective. “But the experience was important for our players. We have learned from our mistakes, improved in several areas and our goal remains to win the CECAFA Qualifiers and qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League,” Rwaka said. “This competition is difficult because every team comes as a champion from its country. Small details make the difference. We must remain focused from the first game until the last if we are to achieve our objective.” Club captain Andersen Uwase said the memory of last year’s defeat continues to motivate the players. “Losing the final hurt us because we believed we could win it,” Uwase said. “That disappointment has stayed with us and has motivated us to work harder. We want to return stronger and show that we can compete with the best teams in the region.” Champions League group-stage place at stake Rayon Sports are aiming to become the first Rwandan club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League group stage. To achieve that feat, they must win the CECAFA Zonal competition on home soil. Forward Emerance Niyonshuti said qualifying for the continental competition would be a dream come true for the players. “Every player wants to play at the highest level. The CAF Women’s Champions League is the biggest stage in African club football. We are determined to give everything on the pitch to reach that level,” she said. Having won back-to-back league titles in Rwanda, Rayon Sports now face a different challenge. Domestic success has established the Blues as one of the country’s leading women’s clubs, but regional glory remains the next target. The Blues enter the CECAFA Qualifiers among the favourites, particularly with the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters in Kigali.
