JAVIER Martinez Espinosa has been fired as Rayon Sports head coach following a 2-0 defeat for the Blues against archrivals APR in the Rwanda Premier League over the weekend. The Mexican, who joined the club on a one-year deal before the start of the 2019-20 season, departs the club just after three months in charge. Via the club’s official Twitter account, Rayon confirmed the development on Tuesday. “We have reached an agreement with the Mexican to terminate his contract as head coach.” Martinez was signed in September, replacing Brazilian Roberto Oliveira who guided the club to their ninth league title in June. According to Jean Paul Nkurunziza, Rayon Sports spokesperson, former assistant coach Alain Kirasa has now been elevated to the position of interim coach till the appointment of a new coach. After two losses and four draws, Martinez leaves Rayon Sports in third position with 31 points from 15 matches this season. They trail second-placed Police by one point, and are six behind leaders APR who are pursuing a record-extending 18th league title. With the dismissal of Martinez, now eight – half the number – of head coaches who started the 2019/2020 Rwanda Premier League have either been sacked or resigned. Other dismissed managers: Dieudonné Mugunga (SC Kiyovu), Olivier Ovambe (Mukura), Justin Bisengimana (Bugesera), JMV Nduwantare (Gicumbi), Amars Niyongabo (Musanze), Stefan Hannson (Heroes) and Innocent Seninga (Etincelles).
