Munyakazi Sends Message of Unity to Rayon Sports Fans After Peace Cup Final Loss

Sadate Munyakazi, former President of Rayon Sports Football Club, has spoken out following the team’s 2-0 defeat to APR FC in the final of the 2025 Peace Cup — a loss that has left many of the club’s passionate fans frustrated and disheartened.

The match, held in a charged atmosphere, saw APR FC dominate from start to finish, capitalizing on Rayon Sports’ lack of cohesion and missed opportunities. While APR’s performance was praised for discipline and tactical execution, Rayon Sports struggled to find rhythm, leading to a result that disappointed thousands of fans who had hoped for a title.

In the aftermath of the defeat, tensions rose among the fan base, with some criticizing the team’s preparation and others questioning leadership decisions. Amid this storm, Sadate Munyakazi took to X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt message addressed to fans, players, and management.

“Good morning @rayon_sports fans!

Last evening was tough for all of us. I know very well how painful and troubling a loss can be, but I want to tell you that this is exactly when GIKUNDIRO needs us the most.

Let’s set aside our differences, unite, and fight to the end.

The management, technical staff, and players gave it their best, but it wasn’t enough. Let us, the supporters, stand by them and keep supporting until the end.

Rayon Sports are fighters. This is not the time to lose hope or play the blame game. It is a time to join forces, continue giving our support, just as we’ve been doing.

Rayon Sports is me, Rayon Sports is you, Rayon Sports is all of us.”

Sadate’s call for unity comes at a critical time for the club, which has faced internal tensions, leadership shifts, and performance inconsistencies in recent seasons. Munyakazi remains a well-known and influential voice in the club’s ecosystem — remembered both for his leadership and for his public fight against what he once called “thieves within the club.”

Back in September 2019, Sadate drew national attention when he accused some officials of exploiting the club for personal gain. In a now-famous address, he vowed to eliminate those harmful to Rayon Sports’ integrity, using the metaphor “I will burn the forest” to describe his commitment to purging corruption.

Today, his words strike a different but equally important chord — urging fans not to give in to disappointment but to rally around the team. His tone was conciliatory, emphasizing healing, shared responsibility, and resilience.

This moment is a test of character not just for the players and management, but for the supporters who have long been the heart of Rayon Sports. Whether Sadate’s message becomes a spark for renewed unity or gets lost in the noise of blame and frustration will depend on how the club’s community chooses to respond.

But one thing is clear: in both triumph and defeat, Rayon Sports remains a team deeply woven into the identity of its fans — and it is in such moments that their loyalty is most needed.

Laura D