Burundian midfielder Abedi Bigirimana arrived at Rayon Sports on July 25, 2025, with high expectations and a two-year contract that was meant to strengthen the club’s midfield following the departure of former captain Kevin Muhire to Sudan at the end of the 2024/2025 season. His early days in training showed promise: sharp passing, strong ball control, and the confidence that convinced fans they had found the right replacement.
But as the season unfolded, Rayon Sports slipped into internal challenges, inconsistent performances, and pressure-filled fixtures. Abedi’s adaptation began to stall, leaving supporters asking what went wrong for a player once seen as the club’s next midfield engine.
In 210 days of wearing the blue shirt, Abedi has scored only once, a goal against Rutsiro FC at Kigali Pele Stadium. Beyond friendly matches, he has featured in ten competitive games in both domestic and international competitions. The results have been unconvincing: four wins, five losses, including the high-stakes derby against APR FC, and a single draw.
In the most recent Thousand Hills Derby, Abedi was confronted by APR’s experienced midfielders, a test that highlighted both his potential and his struggles within a team still searching for stability. Analysts and some supporters argue that the midfielder’s talent is not in question, but that Rayon Sports’ technical and tactical instability has held him back.
The club has been navigating internal issues, culminating in the departure of head coach Lotfi Afhamia. Management is now moving quickly to appoint a new coach, hoping fresh leadership will restore structure, confidence, and a style of play that allows key players, including Abedi, to perform at their best.
Despite the challenges, Rayon Sports fans remain hopeful. They believe the club will recover, rebuild, and silence critics. For Abedi, the coming weeks may determine whether he becomes the midfield star supporters envisioned or whether time is running out for him to shine in the iconic blue shirt.
