Inside SKOL, Rayon Sports’ new one-year partnership agreement

SKOL Brewery Ltd and Rayon Sports Association have announced a new cooperation framework for the 2026–2027 season, marking the end of a historic principal sponsorship partnership that played a transformative role in the growth of both the club and Rwandan football over the past 12 years.

The agreement, unveiled in Kigali on June 24, 2026, introduces a new model of collaboration focused on performance, sustainability and long-term development.

While SKOL’s role as the club’s principal sponsor has officially come to an end, both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to working together through initiatives aimed at supporting Rayon Sports' future ambitions.

The partnership between the two institutions began in 2014 under former Rayon Sports president Théogène Ntampaka.

What started as a sponsorship deal worth approximately Rwf170 million evolved into one of the most influential relationships in Rwandan sport.

Over the years, SKOL significantly increased its investment in the club, with annual support reaching around Rwf200 million in recent seasons, alongside contributions including training facilities, accommodation support, equipment, kits and access to the SKOL Football Pitch in Nzove.

In 2022, the partnership was renewed through 2026 in a deal reportedly valued at more than Rwf1 billion.

Although the total value invested throughout the 12-year collaboration was never officially disclosed, sponsorship records indicate that SKOL contributed several billions of Rwandan francs toward the club's operations, infrastructure and development projects.

Under the new agreement, Rayon Sports will continue using the SKOL Football Pitch in Nzove as its official training ground, while the facility will also host matches for the Rayon Sports Women’s Team.

The arrangement reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to supporting the growth of men's and women's football in Rwanda.

A major feature of the new framework is a performance-based support system.

SKOL will provide bonuses linked to Rayon Sports’ results in key competitions, including the Rwanda Premier League, Peace Cup and other major tournaments during the 2026–2027 campaign.

The initiative is designed to encourage sporting excellence while promoting financial sustainability.

The SKOL era coincided with some of the most successful years in Rayon Sports’ modern history.

During the partnership, the club won multiple domestic trophies, including the Rwanda Premier League titles in 2016 and 2019, as well as several Peace Cup and Super Cup honors.

On the continental stage, Rayon Sports achieved one of the greatest milestones in Rwandan club football by reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2018.

Several club leaders oversaw this successful period, including Théogène Ntampaka, Chance Ndayishimiye, Paul Muvunyi, Sadate Munyakazi, Jean-Fidèle Uwayezu, Thaddée Twagirayezu and interim administrations led by Abdallah Murenzi.

As the principal sponsorship era concludes, both SKOL Brewery and Rayon Sports have expressed gratitude for a partnership built on mutual respect, collaboration and a shared vision.

The SKOL–Rayon Sports partnership leaves a lasting legacy and opens the door to a new chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued success.

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