Rayon Sports FC has extended contracts for two full-backs while confirming the departure of three central defenders, including the team captain, as part of a defensive reshuffle ahead of the new season.
The club has handed two-year contract renewals to left-back Ganijuru Ishimwe Elie and right-back Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, commonly known as “Kabange”.
However, the club will part ways with several defenders whose contracts have expired, including captain Youssou Diagne, Ramazani Tshimanga, and Emery Bayisenge, after negotiations failed to reach agreement on new terms.
Reports indicate that Diagne requested a $30,000 signing-on fee (over RWF 43 million), a demand the club declined. The Senegalese defender has since returned home on holiday while exploring other opportunities.
Emery Bayisenge is also said to have sought around RWF 40 million in compensation, which Rayon Sports was unwilling to meet. Tshimanga Ramazani was not retained following technical concerns over his distribution and preference for long passes.
The club has also reinforced its defence with several new signings, including Chadian centre-back Charles Tchouplao, Matumona Abel (from Amagaju FC), Nshuti Didier (from Gorilla FC), Rushema Chris, and Nshimimana Fabrice, who can operate on the left side.
Rayon Sports spokesperson Gakwaya Olivier told SK FM that the club has now completed its target of eight players across the four defensive positions, meaning no further renewals are planned in that department.
He added that head coach Haringingo and technical director Dylan Lienart believe the team’s strong defensive record in the second half of the season was largely influenced by the goalkeeper’s performances rather than the defensive line.
The technical staff also identified a gap on the left side of defence, prompting the signing of Chadian defender Charles “Pastore”, who previously played in South Africa.
