Rayon Sports has announced ambitious plans to spend Rwf 2 billion in the upcoming 2025/26 football season, raising questions about where such a large sum will come from.
Speaking to the media, Abdallah Murenzi, Secretary General of Rayon Sports, revealed that the club currently has only Rwf 400 million in hand. The remaining Rwf 1.6 billion will need to come from other sources.
“We plan to use a budget of Rwf 2 billion, which will come from partners and prize money from competitions we will participate in,” Murenzi said. “However, the biggest contribution will come from fans through their Fan Clubs.”
Murenzi expressed confidence in the loyalty of Rayon supporters, saying he believes they will contribute as promised. But past experiences suggest such optimism often meets reality—especially when fans fail to fulfill financial pledges.
Several factors could undermine these expectations, including the rising cost of living in Rwanda. For rural fans, contributions often depend on income from agricultural harvests—but erratic weather and other challenges have led to crop failures.
Urban fans, who rely on salaries or service payments, are also feeling the squeeze as costs soar. For instance, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced on September 6, 2025, that fuel prices had increased—with petrol rising from Rwf 1,803 to Rwf 1,862 per liter, and diesel from Rwf 1,757 to Rwf 1,808. Even with government subsidies, transport costs are rising, forcing many to reconsider discretionary spending, including on football.
Food prices have also fluctuated, making it harder for families—many of whom make up Rayon’s fan base—to spare extra money.
Despite its massive fan base, Rayon Sports has previously faced criticism over financial mismanagement. While the club remains one of Rwanda’s most popular teams, questions linger about whether it can raise and manage Rwf 2 billion effectively.
If the projections fall short, analysts say the club will still compete in the Rwanda Premier League but may struggle to meet its financial and competitive ambitions.
The 2025/26 season kicks off on September 12, with Rayon Sports opening against Kiyovu Sports on September 13 at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
