Rayon Sports on Friday announced the signing of Burundian midfielder Elie Mokono as the club puts the finishing touches to its squad ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup registration deadline.

The move is part of the Blues’ efforts to strengthen key areas of the squad as they prepare for their return to continental football.

Before turning to the Burundian market, Rayon Sports had explored other options, including negotiations with former APR FC midfielder Jean Bosco Ruboneka. However, the two parties failed to reach an agreement on contract terms, prompting the club to pursue alternative targets.

Mokono joins a competitive midfield department that already features Tony Kitoga, Gloire Tambwe Ngongo, Fabio Nkudimana, Christian Nisingizwe, Didier Ndayishimiye and Issa Djiguiba.

His arrival comes just a day before the deadline for clubs to submit their squad lists for the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, where Rayon Sports will face Cameroonian side Panthère Sportive du Ndé.