Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo has dismissed speculation about his future at the club following their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, insisting that his focus remains on winning the domestic league title.
The Blues failed to reach the group stage after being eliminated by Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second preliminary round, raising questions about the Burundian coach’s future.
However, Haringingo denied that he and the club’s management had discussed parting ways or that he was considering resigning.
He dismissed the reports as media rumours intended to create tension within the club, arguing that such speculation would persist even when the team delivers positive results.
"Those are media rumours and agendas. Even after winning, they will not stop saying those things,” Haringingo said.
The coach also rejected suggestions that he had a strained relationship with winger Elie Tatou Iradukunda, who scored Rayon’s second goal in their 3-0 victory over Musanze FC on Wednesday and was named Player of the Match.
Haringingo defended his relationship with the forward, claiming that he had personally pushed for his signing after the player spent four years at Mukura Victory Sports without attracting similar attention.
"I fought hard to bring Tatou here after the four years he spent at Mukura VS. No one cared about him before. It is the media that is trying to create these problems,” he said.
Haringingo’s comments come as Rayon seek to recover from their disappointing continental campaign and mount a serious challenge for the domestic league title.
The coach maintained that winning the league remains the club’s primary objective as they seek to end a seven-season wait for the championship.
Rayon’s 3-0 victory over Musanze lifted them to 11th place with four points, providing a timely boost as they look to build momentum in the ongoing campaign.
The Blues will next travel to Rubavu to face Marine FC as they continue their pursuit of the league title.