Interim coach Kombi relishes Rayon wins

On a day a certain Belgian tactician took his seat for the first time in the stands at the Amahoro National Stadium a day after jetting into the country for talks that could see him become Rayon Sports’ next head coach, the Blues’ stand-in coach ensured a 100 per cent record from the games he has hitherto presided over. Billy Mbusa Kombi guided the defending champions to a comfortable 3-1 victory over rivals SC Kiyovu, and kept his side within touching distance of leaders APR, who thumped beleaguered Esperance 3-0. The result, the second straight win for Rayon after their 2-1 win away to Gicumbi, saw the team accumulate 34 points, two adrift of APR. And, Kombi, who has openly expressed his interest in taking the head coach job permanently, was evidently all smiles at full time. “We played really well, we dominated the game, I am happy that we got what we deserved, the win keeps us in the race for the title but we have to continue to push on, hoping that APR can drop points at some stage,” roared the legendary Rayon ex-player, who was part of the team that won the 1998 Cecafa Kagame regional championships, becoming the first Rwandan side to win the coveted club title. Asked to assess his weeks in charge, he said: “Two wins out of two, I couldn’t have asked for more.” And even as it is unlikely he would be the next head coach –with talks between Rayon management and Belgian coach Luc Eymael believed to be at advanced stages – Kombi says he remains a happy man. “Yes, I want the job but it’s not my decision, all I can do is take stock of what the team has achieved under my guidance and look to the future.” The DR Congo-born Kombi, normally the assistant coach, took charge following the shock resignation of Frenchman Didier Gomes da Rosa just over two weeks ago. Eymael is expected to be unveiled as the new Blues coach in the coming days. On Sunday, striker Salite Kambale Gentil, also known as Papy Kamanzi, netted twice and skipper Fuadi Ndayisenga added the third as the champions kept up pressure on APR. Ugandan striker Julius Bakkabulindi scored Kiyovu’s consolation goal. After the weekend games, Police moved into fourth place with a 2-1 victory over Gicumbi thanks to Kipson Atuheire and Imran Nshimiyimana. Sam Ssimbwa’s side has 30 points, level with AS Kigali, who drew with Espoir 1-1 but with a better goal difference.