The Tunisian coach, Afhamia Lotfi, expressed his immense joy upon being appointed head coach of Rayon Sports, one of Rwanda's most celebrated football teams. Lotfi shared his excitement, stating: “I am extremely happy and honored to be here. Rayon Sports is a prestigious club with a massive fan base. Joining this team is a dream come true.”
Lotfi emphasized that his three years coaching in Rwanda's football league have equipped him with critical knowledge and expertise about Rwandan football, including player behavior, team dynamics, and strategies. He remarked: “Over these three years, I’ve gained deep insights into teams, players, and their behaviors. These experiences have been invaluable, preparing me well for my role at Rayon Sports.”
Setting bold ambitions, Coach Lotfi shared his vision to mold a team that plays with relentless determination, unwavering passion, and a strong winning mentality. He underlined: “I want courageous players who fight for the team and respect the jersey they wear. Players without passion have no place on my team. True dedication is what brings pride to their club.”
Afhamia declared his belief that Rayon Sports must consistently aim for titles in every competition, instead of waiting years for trophies. He stated: “Rayon Sports is a prestigious club. It’s not here to just participate but to compete for championships. Our goal is to make significant strides in African competitions and secure the national league title. We will build on last year’s achievements and aim higher.”
Discussing preparations, Lotfi revealed that the management provided him with the liberty to select his assistant coaches and technical staff, enabling him to align the team with his vision. He shared: “I received tremendous support from the management. We held in-depth discussions, made decisions collaboratively, and built the team exactly as we envisioned. We’re ready to compete at the highest level.”
Although his contract with Rayon Sports spans three years, Lotfi emphasized his focus on meeting objectives over contract duration. He noted: “If our plans don't work out, I won’t force my stay. But with faith in God, we are confident that we’ll achieve our goals.”
Afhamia Lotfi’s coaching journey brought him to Rayon Sports following his appointment at Mukura VS in 2022, where he led the team to a fifth-place finish in the league standings last season.
By contrast, Rayon Sports concluded last season in second place, four points behind league champions APR FC. As the new season approaches, Rayon Sports is set to represent Rwanda in the CAF Confederation Cup, aiming for further success under Lotfi’s leadership.