SKOL and Rayon Sports end historic 12-year partnership

After 12 years of collaboration, SKOL Brewery Ltd and Rayon Sports Association have officially brought their principal sponsorship agreement to an end, closing one of the most influential partnerships in the history of Rwandan football.

While the contractual relationship has concluded, both parties have indicated that discussions remain ongoing regarding future forms of cooperation aimed at supporting the club’s long-term sustainability and growth.

The partnership began in 2014 under the leadership of former Rayon Sports president Théogène Ntampaka, when SKOL signed its first major sponsorship agreement with the club.

The initial three-year deal was worth approximately Rwf170 million, while subsequent renewals significantly increased the brewer's financial commitment.

Over the years, the sponsorship evolved into one of the biggest football partnerships in Rwanda.

In recent seasons, Rayon Sports received approximately Rwf200 million annually, in addition to training facilities, accommodation support, kits, equipment, and access to the Nzove-based SKOL Stadium training complex.

In 2022, both parties renewed their agreement through 2026 in a deal reportedly worth more than Rwf1 billion.

Although the exact cumulative value of all agreements over the 12-year period has never been officially disclosed, available sponsorship records indicate that SKOL invested several billions of Rwandan francs in direct financial support, infrastructure, training facilities, equipment, and club operations throughout the partnership.

During the SKOL era, Rayon Sports enjoyed some of the most successful years in its modern history.

Domestically, the club won multiple major trophies, including the 2016 and 2019 Rwanda Premier League titles, as well as several Peace Cup and Super Cup honors.

The club consistently remained among Rwanda's top football institutions and regularly challenged for national silverware.

On the continental stage, Rayon Sports enhanced its reputation by reaching the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals in 2018, becoming the first Rwandan club in many years to advance so far in a major African club competition.

That achievement remains one of the greatest international accomplishments by a Rwandan football club.

The financial stability provided through sponsorship played a key role in helping the club attract quality players, strengthen technical structures, and compete at a higher level.

Several leaders guided Rayon Sports during the SKOL partnership era.

These included Théogène Ntampaka, Chance Ndayishimiye (Gacinya), Paul Muvunyi, Sadate Munyakazi, Jean-Fidèle Uwayezu, Thaddée Twagirayezu, and interim leadership teams led by Abdallah Murenzi at different periods.

As the partnership concludes, both institutions have expressed gratitude for a relationship that transcended sponsorship and contributed significantly to the growth of football in Rwanda.

From league titles and continental campaigns to infrastructure development and fan engagement, the SKOL-Rayon Sports partnership leaves behind a lasting legacy that helped shape the modern era of the club and Rwandan football as a whole.