SKOL Brewery Ltd has officially announced the end of its 12-year partnership with Rayon Sports Football Club, closing one of the most influential corporate sponsorship agreements in Rwandan football.
The announcement was made on Monday, June 8, 2026. The current contract remains valid through the 2025/26 season but will not be renewed thereafter, marking the end of a collaboration that played a significant role in shaping the club’s modern development.
Over the years, the partnership between SKOL and Rayon Sports grew beyond financial sponsorship into a comprehensive support system that contributed to the club’s infrastructure development, operational stability, and professional growth.
The relationship began in 2014, when the two parties signed a three-year sponsorship agreement worth RWF 47 million annually. In 2017, the partnership was renewed for five years, increasing the annual support to RWF 66 million and introducing additional performance-based incentives and equipment provision.
During this period, SKOL provided performance bonuses, including RWF 6 million for winning the Peace Cup and RWF 20 million annually for team kits, strengthening the club’s competitiveness and professional setup.
A major milestone of the partnership came in 2017 with the construction of a training facility in Nzove, valued at nearly RWF 100 million, which was handed over to Rayon Sports at a time when the club lacked a permanent training base.
SKOL further expanded its support through the establishment of the “Rayon SKOL BAR” at the training complex, a fan-engagement initiative that also generated revenue linked to club activities.
In July 2020, the partnership delivered another key development when SKOL provided accommodation facilities capable of housing up to 40 players, located near the training ground, further strengthening the club’s professional infrastructure.
Beyond infrastructure and financial support, the collaboration also supported fan engagement initiatives, including the “Player of the Month” award introduced by the March Generation supporters’ group.
In 2022, Rayon Sports renewed its agreement with SKOL in what became the final contract between the two parties, reportedly valued at over RWF 1 billion.
With the SKOL partnership coming to an end, Rayon Sports has already begun transitioning to new commercial arrangements. In February 2026, the club signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Tanzania-based Jayrutt Investment Ltd worth RWF 5.1 billion. Reports also indicate ongoing discussions with Bank of Kigali, a major sponsor in the BK Premier League.
The conclusion of the SKOL partnership marks the end of a defining chapter in Rayon Sports’ history, widely regarded as a period that significantly contributed to the club’s growth, infrastructure development, and professionalization.
