Coach Eymael in Kigali to finalise Rayon deal

BELGIAN coach Luc Eymael arrived in the country on Saturday to seal a much-anticipated deal with defending champions Rayon Sports.

Monday, January 27, 2014
Luc Eymael ( right) being received at Kigali International airport by Rayon Sports SG Olivier Gakwaya on Saturday. Times Sport / B. Mugabe

BELGIAN coach Luc Eymael arrived in the country on Saturday to seal a much-anticipated deal with defending champions Rayon Sports.If anything goes according to plan, the blues will unveil Eymael as their new coach this week.The timing of his arrival was surprising considering that it had been reported that he would delay for a few more days owing to visa procedures.And Eymael looks like a man who’s ready to take on the challenge immediately.Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, he said: "I am not here for holiday. I am here to start my work. I will hold talks with Rayon Sports on Monday and hopefully seal an agreement before getting down to work as soon as possible.”"I know Rayon Sports is a dominant club here in Rwanda and I have to do everything to ensure that they stay on top,” he added.Eymael was in the stands yesterday as the reigning champions beat Kiyovu 3-1 at Amahoro stadium.Rayon wants the Belgian to replace Frenchman Didier Gomes da Rosa, who resigned more than a fortnight ago and has since been appointed the coach of Cameroon’s Coton Sport de Garoua.There had been speculation regarding Rayon’s next coach, with names such as former Atraco coach (now with Kenya’s Sofapaka), Sam Timbe, former APR coach (now with Don Bosco FC of DRC), Andy Mfutila, former Police coach Goran Kuponovic, and another ex-APR coach Ernie Brandts, coming up.Eymael has vast experience in African football having spent stints with clubs like Vita Club of Congo, Missile FC in Gabon, MC Oran of Algeria and AFC Leopards of Kenya.The Blues face Congolese side AC Leopards in their CAF Champions League preliminary fixture early February.