The more things change at Rayon Sports, one of Rwanda’s most illustrious football clubs, the more they stay the same — so, news that the club has sacked head coach Yamen Zelfani, with former coach Ivan Minnaert rumoured to be the replacement, comes as no big surprise.

Zelfani was always living on borrowed time after defeat to Al Hilal Benghazi in the CAF Confederation Cup first qualification round. But is the club right to re-sign former coach Minnaert?

Rayon Sports have hired and fired coaches at every opportunity yet success remains minimal at every level even in the national league which continues to be dominated by arch-rivals APR FC, who have shown they can win the local league even when playing with hands tied behind their backs.

Is sacking the coach the solution to Rayon’s persistent failures? Will Minnaert bring success to a club that has never gone beyond the quarter-final of a continental competition? Can Rayon overcome early season struggles to challenge for the league or peace cup? Only time will tell.

To assess whether sacking the coach is the solution to the club’s persistent failures, it depends on factors including the performance of the team, the coach’s tactics and abilities, the quality of the players, and other organizational factors.

Changing a coach can sometimes have a positive impact on a team’s performance. But it’s not a guarantee of success. It’s essential to consider the broader context and long-term goals of the club.

As for whether Minnaert can bring success to Rayon Sports, it would depend on his coaching abilities, the support he receives from the club, and the overall team dynamics. Success in continental football can be challenging, and reaching the knockout stages is a significant achievement for any club.

Persistent failures

Rwanda’s second-biggest football club is mired in a cycle of persistent failures that have left its fans disheartened and its potential unrealized.

While several factors contribute to the club’s woes, top on the list is poor management at the administration level, misjudged choices in coaching and player recruitment, inflated expectations, and a general lack of patience by everyone involved.

Poor management at the administrative level has been a recurring problem. Ineffective leadership, financial mismanagement, and a lack of long-term vision have all hindered the club’s progress.

To reverse this trend, the club must prioritize transparency, accountability, and sound financial planning. A professional and capable management team is essential for creating a solid foundation upon which success can be built.

The wrong choice of coaches and players further exacerbated the club’s predicament.

Frequent changes in coaching staff disrupt team cohesion and make it challenging to develop a consistent playing style.

Similarly, recruiting players based on popularity rather than skill has led to an imbalanced squad. To rectify this, the club must employ experienced coaches with a proven track record and implement a rigorous scouting system to identify and acquire talent that aligns with the team’s tactical needs.

Moreover, Rayon Sports’ struggles can be attributed to inflated expectations from fans and the media—the hype surrounding the club often creates undue pressure on the players and staff.

Managing expectations is crucial. Fans and media should be encouraged to support the team while understanding that progress may be gradual. Establishing realistic short-term and long-term goals can help manage these expectations.

Additionally, a lack of patience has plagued the club’s progress. Success in football is rarely instant, and building a championship-winning team takes time.

Say no to quick fix

The club’s stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and management, must display patience and commitment to the development process. Patience allows for necessary adjustments and growth, which are vital for the club’s sustained success. The club needs to drop the appetite for a quick fix.

To transform Rayon Sports into a formidable and stable entity, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes, among others, strong leadership by appointing competent and visionary leaders who prioritize the club’s interests over personal gain.

Developing a robust scouting network to identify talent that fits the club’s playing philosophy, rather than simply chasing high-profile names just for the sake of pleasing the supporters.

Also, the club must provide coaches with the time and resources needed to implement their vision and build a cohesive team at the same time, maintaining an open and honest communication with fans and the media to manage expectations effectively.

Rayon Sports’ revival would not only benefit the club itself but also have a positive ripple effect on Rwandan football as a whole. Rival teams will be motivated to improve, and the footballing ambiance in the country will thrive. This can also be good for the national team, Amavubi.

By addressing these fundamental issues and committing to a patient and all-inclusive approach, Rayon Sports can once again emerge as a powerhouse in Rwandan football, fulfilling its potential and bringing joy to its dedicated fanbase.

Ultimately, only time will tell if Rayon Sports can overcome their early-season struggles and challenge for the league and or Peace Cup. But you know football is unpredictable. And success depends on various factors coming together.