Rwanda’s football governing body has cleared coach Francis Haringingo to take charge of Rayon Sports following a meeting involving officials from both clubs.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) said talks were held on Thursday at its headquarters, bringing together its president Fabrice Shema, Kiyovu Sports president David Nkurunziza, Rayon Sports president Abdallah Murenzi, and Haringingo himself.
At the centre of the discussions was Haringingo’s recent move from Kiyovu Sports to Rayon Sports — a transfer that had raised concerns over whether proper procedures had been followed.
In a statement, FERWAFA said the matter had now been resolved, allowing the coach to take up his new role in line with regulations. The federation also thanked all parties for what it described as constructive cooperation during the meeting.
Rayon Sports had earlier unveiled Haringingo as their new head coach, but he had not yet been cleared to take charge due to objections from Kiyovu Sports, who argued that his departure had not been handled correctly.
That uncertainty has now been lifted.
Haringingo is expected to oversee his first match on Sunday, when Rayon Sports host Rutsiro FC at Umuganda Stadium. The club currently sits fourth in the league with 43 points.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of wider challenges at Rayon Sports, including a separate dispute involving former head coach Afhamia Lotfi.
Lotfi was appointed at the start of the 2025/2026 season after joining from Mukura VS, but his tenure was short-lived. He parted ways with the club just three months later, in November.
His departure coincided with leadership changes at Rayon Sports, where a new executive committee led by Abdallah Murenzi took over.
At the time, club officials maintained that the separation had been handled amicably, despite speculation that the coach could take legal action over the manner of his exit.
However, Lotfi has since confirmed that he has filed a case against Rayon Sports with world football governing body FIFA.
Speaking to Radio & TV 10, he said the complaint was submitted through his lawyer, although he suggested it may not be the only case facing the club.
“Yes, I filed the case through my lawyer, but any sanctions against Rayon Sports could be due to several complaints, not just mine,” he said.
Lotfi also claimed that the club had failed to honour an agreement to pay him in instalments following his departure.
“We agreed, in good faith, that they would pay me in instalments in December and January, but to this day I have not received anything from Rayon Sports,” he said. “It is frustrating, and I don’t know what else I can do because there are many complaints.”
With the dispute over Haringingo now resolved, attention is expected to return to matters on the field, as Rayon Sports look to improve their position in the league standings. Rayon, who are set to play today, sit fourth with 43 points, a win will give them a chance to narrow the gap behind APR FC who lost 2-1 to Etincelles FC on Saturday at Stde Umuganda.
But off the pitch, the club still faces unresolved issues that could continue to shape its season.
