Karekezi vows to keep Rayon’s winning form

Rayon Sports new head coach Olivier Karekezi has promised to build on the team’s winning mentality. The former Amavubi captain made the remarks after holding his first training session on Friday morning at Mumena stadium.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Peter Kamasa

Former APR and Amavubi captain Olivier Karekezi shows Rayon Sports' players how it's done during his first training session on Friday at Mumena Stadium. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports new head coach Olivier Karekezi has promised to build on the team’s winning mentality.

The former Amavubi captain made the remarks after holding his first training session on Friday morning at Mumena stadium.

Karekezi, who arrived in the country on Thursday night, has signed a two-year contract until the end of 2019.

He will be assisted by former Amavubi teammates Hamadi ‘Katauti’ Ndikumana and Ramadhan Nkunzingona (goalkeeping coach), while Marcel Lomami will be the fitness coach.

Former Amavubi skipper Oliver Karekezi will be assisted by his former teammates. / Sam Ngendahimana

Karekezi replaces Djuma Masudi, who resigned after one and half years in charge in which he won Peace Cup and league title. / Sam Ngendahimana

Malian striker Alassane Tamboura who signed for Rayon Sports , he started the training with other players at Mumena. / Sam Ngendahimana

Rayon Sports fans come to watch the first training session of former Amavubi skipper Karekezi at Mumena Stadium. / Sam Ngendahimana

The league champions started pre-season training on Tuesday in preparation for the new season expected to kick off next month, although the dates have not yet been set.

Karekezi replaced Djuma Masudi, who resigned after one and half years in charge. During his stint he won the Peace Cup and league title.

At the airport, the former APR FC captain was received by Rayon Sports leaders and his assistant coach Ndikumana.

Karekezi promised that they will work as team in order to transform the club into perennial title challengers. It is reported that Karekezi will earn Rwf2m per month, Ndikumana Rwf1.2m, Nkunzingoma Rwf0.4m, and Marcel Rwf0.4m on top of other bonuses.

"I am happy to be home and to start work as Rayon Sports coach but most importantly we want to play good football and win trophies. Although in Europe I have been coaching the U17 team, I think I can adjust and do better with the senior team,” the 34-year old stated.

He noted that it is not a miracle to coach Rayon Sports, but it is a job like any where one is expected to deliver.

"When I was a player, I always thought nothing but winning and that continues to be my philosophy even when I started coaching. Our philosophy has to be playing good football and to win trophies with Rayon Sports.”

"I played for APR and now I am a coach of Rayon Sports and I think the better thing is to do my job well. I am a professional coach and what I want is to do my job correctly,” he explained.

Karekezi made his international debut for Rwanda in 2000 and in August 2013; he announced his retirement from international football after 13 years.

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