Striker Paul Were has said he joined Rayon Sports to win trophies as the team continues to undergo a major rebuild ahead of the new season.

The Kenya international arrived in Kigali last week and penned a one-year deal that will keep him at the club until June 2023.

"I am happy to join Rayon Sports. I want to make them [the club supporters] happy because I want to show what I have and help the club to be where it deserves to be and to win some trophies,” the 28-year-old told journalists.

"Many people who follow Rwandan football know that Rayon Sports is one of the biggest clubs in Rwanda and when a proposal to play for them came, I was so excited and I said ‘why not take this challenge?’. I’m looking forward to giving my best to this club,” he added.

Were previously played for teams like Tusker and AFC Leopards in Kenya, Amazulu in South Africa, Greek side Kalloni and Denizlispor in Turkey among others.

His move to Rayon followed the surprise signing of centre back Abdul Rwatubyaye who on Tuesday returned to the club on a two-year deal after parting ways with North Macedonian premier league side FC Shkupi.

The duo was part of the team that trained at SKOL’s training base in Nzove. Burundian Caleb Bimenyimana is also training with Francis Haringingo’s side but Times Sport understands that the chances of luring him to play for Rayon are little to none given that he could anytime sign for South Africa giants Kaizer Chiefs.

Back to where Rayon belongs?

With the latest signings, Rayon Sports is poised to fight for trophies again ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 football season to end APR’s three-year domestic dominance.

The signings of Were and Rwatubyaye have boosted the club’s squad with Haringingo now preparing for the new season with quality players at his disposal.  

With the leadership of Rwatubyaye, quality ball control of Burundian Eric Mbirizi in midfield, the talent of Cameroonian striker Willy Onana who is now fit to play and the pace that Paul Were showed during his first training session, Rayon is proving to be a team to beat next season.

Haringingo wants to build an aggressive team around the attacking department and the addition of Malian Boubacar Traoré, who arrived in Kigali on Thursday, last week, is expected to help him build a fearsome attack that could be tough for the opponent team’s defenders to cope with.

The club is focused on bringing a new goalkeeper who will be challenging current first choice Adolphe Hakizimana before the new season kicks off and closes the transfer market.

Rayon’s first test will be against Ugandan league champions Vipers on Monday, August 15, at Kigali Stadium as part of the club’s annual celebration of Rayon Day during which new players will officially be unveiled to the club supporters.