Rayon increase budget as new season approaches

National Football league giants Rayon Sports will use a budget amounting to Rwf380 million next season, which gets underway next month, Saturday Sport has learnt. The Blues, who won the league title in the 2012/13 season, are currently competing in the Cecafa Kagame Club Championships and are through to the last eight. Club president Theogene Ntampaka said last season the Nyanza-based side used just over Rfw100 million, adding that the increase in budget will reflect in the team’s general performance. “We have come up with what we believe is sufficient budget for next season and want the team to get everything they want in order to achieve our objective of winning the league,” he said on Thursday. He added: “We had to increase our budget because we want to have a good team, which is attractive to everyone and able to compete at the high level, we hope more funding comes with better returns in terms of reaching our targets.” “The good thing is that we have got sponsors, which will help us to get the best players and put together a stronger team, and not only that, but we shall also be able to solve the many problems that have always affected the team in the past.” Source of money The official disclosed that club members’ contribution is envisaged to increase from Rwf50 million to Rwf130 million, in addition to the Rwf170 million sponsorship from Skol Brewery Ltd. Other sponsors include Fast Forward, an international shipping company which extended Rwf22m and equipment to the club. Rayon also expect to get funds from Ruhago Sports Promoters which won the tender to sell membership cards to fans across the country. Under the deal, the seven-time league winners will receive 60 per cent of the revenues, according to Ntampaka. “We want to strengthen the squad with new players, that’s why we are increasing the budget. We hope this will continue to be the trend as we build Rayon into a top side,” he added. Next season, Rayon Sports will compete on three fronts; the league, Peace Cup and in the CAF Confederation Cup.