Rayon Sports could lose as many as 12 players when their contracts expire in June, Times Sports has learnt.

The players include captain Fuadi Ndayisenga, goalkeepers Eric Ndayishimiye and Gerard Bikorimana, midfielder Djihad Bizimana, central defender Faustin Usengimana, winger Aphrodis Hategekimana and striker Peter Kagabo.

Others are Robert Ndatimana, striker Isaac Muganza, midfielder Leon Uwambajimana, Moses Shukuru Kanamugire and Jean Paul Havugarurema.

In an interview with this newspaper, yesterday, Rayon Sports secretary general and spokesperson Emmanuel Niyonsabye said the club had already initiated talks with most of the players to extend their stay.

"Most of them are our key players and that is why we are keen to extend their stay. We have opened preliminary talks with them and, hopefully, we will reach a deal before the end of the season,” Niyonsabye said.

Earlier in the season, the blues lost key defenders Abouba Sibomana and Karim Nizigiyimana to Kenyan giants Gor Mahia.

Growing fears

There are now growing fears that more star players could be on their way out since there is little progress in the ongoing negotiations with players whose contracts are running out in about two months.

Rayon Sports have had a poor season by their standards. The Nyanza based side currently sit in the 5th position and their only realistic chance of winning silverware this season is the Peace Cup.

The blues re-hired former player and coach Baptiste Kayiranga recently to try to salvage their season.

Kayiranga took over from DR Congo’s Andy Mfutila who was sacked in March after a string of poor results.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw