Kiyovu Sports has received a significant financial boost from its new partner, Gorillas Coffee, which has pledged US$50,000 to help the club continue its rebuilding process.
This comes at a crucial time for the team, which has been grappling with financial and performance challenges, including sanctions from FIFA.
Kiyovu Sports has struggled in recent months after being barred from signing new players due to allegations of unlawfully dismissing some of its members. These issues have taken a toll on the club, and sitting with just three points, earned in a recent victory over AS Kigali.
In response to these challenges, the club’s Executive Committee, along with its members, has secured a one-year partnership with Gorillas Coffee, a deal valued at US$50,000 (approximately 67 million Rwandan francs). The agreement, which may be extended, has already seen an initial payment of US$20,000 disbursed to the club.
Kiyovu Sports is also in talks with several former players in an effort to strengthen its squad. The players being approached include South African Riyad Nordien, Mugenzi Cédric, Mosengo Tansele, Niyonkuru Ramadhan, and goalkeeper Ishimwe Patrick.
However, for these players to return, Kiyovu Sports will need to clear outstanding debts, including Rwf15 million in unpaid salaries for some of them.
Despite these financial hurdles, the club is optimistic that it will bring these key players back soon, helping to restore the team’s strength and reputation in Rwandan football. As one of Kigali’s oldest football clubs, Kiyovu Sports hopes to regain its status and compete more effectively in the league.
In recent years, however, AS Kigali has emerged as the club of choice for many of the city’s residents, presenting a challenge for Kiyovu Sports as it seeks to rebuild both on and off the pitch.
