Kiyovu Sports’ debut to the new season has been marred by poor performances in the Rwanda Premier League primarily due to persisting financial crisis hitting the club. Club head coach Joslin Bipfubusa is finding it difficult to mask the deeper issues plaguing the club. ALSO READ: ALSO READ: Mukura defeat Kiyovu in Kigali as Marines win Rubavu derby Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Mukura Victory Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium only highlighted the ongoing struggles at Kiyovu. But for Bipfubusa, the result was less about the defeat but more of a reflection of broader challenges within the club. With only 14 squad players available, the Burundian coach’s frustration was palpable. “This isn’t surprising. We have known issues,” he admitted in a post-match interview, making it clear that Kiyovu’s problems are far beyond what people see on the pitch. Mounting debt and FIFA sanctions Kiyovu’s financial troubles have been known for quite some time, but the scale of the crisis became even more evident when club new president David Nkurunziza recently spoke out. “When we took over, we found the club drowning in over Rwf140 million in debts, and we’re still dealing with FIFA sanctions which are preventing us from signing new players,” Nkurunziza recently told the press. “My committee and I are doing everything we can to address these issues, but it’s proving to be more challenging than we initially imagined.” The current financial woes have severely affected Kiyovu’s ability to reinforce their squad, forcing Bipfubusa to work with a limited number of players. The lack of depth in squad was glaring during club’s 1-0 loss against Mukura, with only three substitutes available—an unusual sight for a club of Kiyovu’s stature. A heavy burden for the coach Bipfubusa has become the face of the club’s struggles, and he has been left with few resources to work with. “If I have 11 players, I will play,” he said, a statement that underscores the survival mode Kiyovu finds itself in. But his frustration is more than just a reaction to a tough loss. It’s a reflection of a club grappling with deeper issues, ones that need urgent attention if Kiyovu is to return to its glory days. ‘Loyal’ supporters in despair The fans, too, are feeling the weight of the club’s crisis. One devoted fan expressed the collective frustration of the Kiyovu faithful. “It’s heartbreaking to see the team like this. We’ve supported Kiyovu through the highs and lows, but it feels like we’re reaching a breaking point. If the management doesn’t fix these problems soon, I fear for the future of the club.” A daunting road ahead Kiyovu’s next fixture against Police FC on September 26, will be a crucial test for the club. With just three points from their opening matches and sitting in 9th place, the pressure is mounting on both the technical team and the administration. However, without reinforcements and a resolution to their financial problems, the road ahead looks bleak. For now, the question remains: can Kiyovu Sports overcome this crisis and reclaim its place among the top teams of Rwandan football? The answer rests in the hands of the management, whose ability to navigate this turbulent situation could determine the future of one of Rwanda’s most iconic football clubs. As the season progresses, fans hope that drastic changes at the leadership level can revive the team. But until the club’s internal fractures are healed, Kiyovu’s journey will remain a long and difficult one.
