Rayon Sports activities captain Emmanuel Kabange Nshimiyimana has been named Finest Participant of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after main the Blues to regional glory.
Rayon Sports activities had been topped champions after defeating Kenyan facet Gor Mahia 2-1 in an exhilarating remaining at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, ending a 28-year anticipate the regional title. Their earlier triumph got here in 1998.
Nshimiyimana obtained the distinguished particular person award in the course of the event’s closing ceremony in entrance of a packed crowd on the 45,000-seater stadium.
“That is one of the best second for me and my workforce. I wish to thank my teammates, coaches, committee members and followers who’ve been behind us from day one,” Nshimiyimana mentioned.
The towering defender was a commanding presence all through the competitors, offering management and defensive self-discipline as Rayon Sports activities accomplished an unbeaten marketing campaign.
Below his captaincy, the Rwandan membership received all 5 of their matches and conceded simply two targets, ending with the event’s greatest defensive document.
Nshimiyimana’s affect prolonged past his management. Working primarily as a fullback, he was one of many competitors’s most constant performers, combining defensive solidity with a capability to assist assaults.
Regardless of receiving the event’s high particular person accolade, the skipper insisted that workforce success stays the last word achievement.
“Successful a person award is sweet, however profitable the event trophy is even higher. That’s one thing that stays with you eternally as a participant. That is good historical past for us and for everyone related to Rayon Sports activities,” he added.
Rayon Sports activities additionally collected the Honest Play Award after a powerful all-round marketing campaign.
In different particular person honours, Rayon Sports activities goalkeeper Junior Dande was named Finest Goalkeeper, whereas Al Hilal SC’s Ansumana Samura and APR FC’s Djibril Ouattara shared the High Scorer Award.
As champions, Rayon Sports activities obtained US$30,000 in prize cash. Runners-up Gor Mahia earned US$20,000, whereas third-placed Al Hilal collected US$10,000.
