Rayon Sports have officially announced the departure of assistant coach Haruna Ferouz, ending his short stay at the club after only six months. The Burundian tactician, who had been serving as second assistant coach, leaves the Kigali-based side at a time when the club continues to struggle for consistency in the Rwanda Premier League.
The club confirmed the separation through its official social media platforms, stating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways. In its message, Rayon Sports expressed gratitude for Ferouz’s service and wished him success in his future professional endeavors.
Ferouz’s exit did not come as a complete surprise to close observers of the club. In recent weeks, he had been noticeably absent from team activities, including Rayon Sports’ latest fixture, a 2–2 draw against Sudanese side Al-Merrikh SC on Wednesday. His absence raised questions about his status within the technical setup, fueling speculation that internal changes were imminent.
Sources close to the club indicate that the decision to part ways was driven by a combination of underwhelming results and concerns over Ferouz’s conduct following the arrival of new head coach Bruno Ferry. Since Ferry’s appointment, Rayon Sports have undergone a period of tactical restructuring, with the club seeking greater discipline, clarity, and cohesion within the technical bench.
According to internal assessments, Haruna Ferouz was accused of interfering with the work of the new head coach. It is alleged that he offered questionable tactical advice during match preparations, particularly regarding player selection. Club insiders claim that some of these recommendations involved fielding players deemed not ready to perform at the required competitive level.
These internal disagreements reportedly contributed to a series of disappointing results that placed additional pressure on the technical staff. Among the matches frequently cited by critics are Rayon Sports’ heavy 4–1 defeat to archrivals APR FC in the Super Cup and the humiliating 4–0 loss to Sudanese giants Al Hilal. Both performances were widely viewed as below the club’s standards and intensified scrutiny of the coaching structure.
Beyond tactical concerns, the club’s leadership reportedly concluded that Ferouz did not meet the professional and technical expectations required to help Rayon Sports achieve its ambitions. The club has made it clear that its long-term objective remains building a competitive team capable of challenging for domestic titles and performing strongly in continental competitions.
Haruna Ferouz joined Rayon Sports on July 15, 2025, as part of a technical team that included Afhamia Lotfi and Azouz Lotfi. Following the departure of the Lotfi duo, Ferouz was briefly entrusted with the team as interim head coach, a role that placed him at the center of a challenging transitional period.
His temporary stewardship came before the appointment of Bruno Ferry as head coach, with Lomami Marcel later named first assistant coach. Once Ferry took charge, Ferouz’s responsibilities were reduced, and his influence within the technical team reportedly diminished, setting the stage for mounting internal tensions.
Ferouz’s departure makes him the fourth individual to leave Rayon Sports during the month of January alone, underlining a period of significant change at the club. Players Serumogo Ally, Harerimana Abdoulaziz, and Adama Bagayogo have also exited the team, with Bagayogo completing a move to AS Kigali. The wave of departures reflects broader efforts by club management to reshape both the squad and the technical staff.
On the pitch, Rayon Sports’ struggles have continued. The club currently sits ninth in the Rwanda Premier League standings with 25 points, a position far below the expectations of its supporters. Gikundiro have failed to secure a victory in their last three league matches, further fueling frustration among fans who expect the club to compete at the highest level.
The timing of Ferouz’s exit comes just days before a crucial away fixture against Mukura Victory Sports in Muhanga, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026. The match is widely seen as a test of character for Bruno Ferry’s side, as the team seeks to halt its poor run of form and restore confidence within the squad.
Club officials believe that streamlining the technical bench will help create a more stable working environment for the head coach and players. By reducing internal friction, Rayon Sports hope to refocus on performance, discipline, and results as the season progresses.
For Haruna Ferouz, the departure marks another chapter in a coaching career that has seen him work across the region. While his spell at Rayon Sports was brief and turbulent, sources close to the coach suggest he remains determined to pursue new opportunities and rebuild his reputation elsewhere.
As for Rayon Sports, the coming weeks will be critical. With pressure mounting from supporters and league rivals gaining momentum, the club faces little margin for error. Management’s decisions during this transitional period could determine whether Gikundiro can recover their competitive edge or continue to drift away from the league’s top positions.
The separation from Haruna Ferouz signals a clear message from the club’s leadership: underperformance and internal discord will not be tolerated. Whether this decisive move translates into improved results on the pitch remains to be seen, but for now, Rayon Sports are betting on change as the path back to stability and success.
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