Barely 50 days after his sensational return to Rayon Sports where he was unveiled in a euphoric manner marked with fun fair, Haruna Niyonzima is on his way out of Rayon Sports.
The celebrated footballer once again became a blue 17 years after leaving the club. He was hoping to hand the club their first league title in five years but his relationship with the club management has spoiled his ambitions, forcing him to leave after less than two months.
No one expected this coming.
Niyonzima, the most capped player in the history of Amavubi, is not pleased with events as the Blues are yet to pay his signing on fee and both parties are parting ways.
Reports reaching Times Sport indicate that the amount in question which has brought all this brawl is 5million Francs for the one-year deal.
It is an open secret that Rayon Sports have been facing financial difficulties in recent times but at least they must "tidy" up their house first. They have signed a host of players and I am not sure they have paid their recruitment fees.
Niyonzima whose career spans close to two decades is a big name player and he deserves better. The club may be in financial turmoil but a simple plead to its loyal supporters to contribute and help the club clear his dues would have yielded dividends.
They did the same and raised Rwf 40 million that their captain Kevin Muhire wanted to stay.
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Aside his performance on the field, Niyonzima is a big brand. He can even attract more fans to the stadium whether Rayon play away or home. Their sponsors can also use him for commercial purposes such as adverts among others.
For a big club like Rayon and looking at the pedigree of Haruna Niyonzima, their failure to pay his signing on fee which prompted the player&039;s imminent cancelation of his contract through mutual agreement has cast a snare on the image of the club.
The club should know that there are a host of great Rwanda players abroad such as Meddie Kagere and others who might be thinking of playing for Rayon before they retire. But the way the club treated Niyonzima will push them back.
Rayon Sports has missed a big hit. The presence of Niyonzima alone in the team is a source of big motivation for youngsters such as Pascal Iradukunda, Prince Rudasingwa and others who grew up looking up to him. He would have guided several players in the team to reach their full potential.
Rayon is arguably the most supported club in Rwanda and among clubs boasting big fans base in East Africa. They must do things correctly or else the club’s name will end up dragged in the mud.