RAYON SPORT interim Coach Emmanuel Ruremesha is hoping to use his expertise that saw him win last year’s Kagame Cup as Atraco’s assistant coach to spur the Blues in this year’s edition set for May 15-29 in Kigali.

An enormous task awaits Rayon after being drawn with last year’s Champions league finalists Heartland, Ethiopia’s St.George and Zanzibar champions Mafunzo. Despite a number of untested and inexperienced players in the side, Ruremesha insists that the club’s immediate task is to reach the knockout phase (quarterfinal).

"We are in a difficult group and the team is short of experience in such competitions but we shall give everything,” the former Atraco tactician said.

"Nobody knew that Atraco would lift the title last year but the strong belief and determination in the side drove them all the way. I think we can draw some lessons from that.”

In 1998, Rayon lifted the Cup after beating Zanzibar’s Mlandege in the final.

Ten years later, the side failed to reach the knockout phase after a heavy 4-1 defeat against Uganda Revenue Authority.

This year, the winners will pocket $30, 000 (Rwf17m) while first and second runners-up will walk away with $20,000 (Rwf11.3m) and $10,000 (Rwf5.7m) courtesy of President Paul Kagame.

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