CAN RAYON SPORTS WFC MAKE HISTORY AT CECAFA? THE TARGET IS A CAF WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TICKET

Rayon Sports Women FC has embarked on a new journey to secure a place in the CAF Women's Champions League after being drawn into Group A of the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, which will be held in Rwanda from August 21 to 31, 2026.

The tournament will bring together the champion clubs from CECAFA member nations, with each team fighting for a place in Africa's premier women's club competition by reaching the final stages of the qualifiers.

Rayon Sports WFC heads into this year's competition with a strong desire to make history. In 2025, the Rwandan champions came agonizingly close to qualifying but were defeated 1-0 by Tanzania's JKT Queens in the final, narrowly missing out on a historic appearance in the CAF Women's Champions League.

This year, however, things appear to have changed. After Rwanda was confirmed as the host nation, the club's management moved quickly to strengthen the squad by signing experienced players while intensifying preparations to ensure the team is ready to compete at the highest level in front of its home supporters.

Among the teams expected to pose the biggest challenge are Simba Queens of Tanzania, one of East Africa's strongest women's football clubs, and Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda, a side with considerable experience in regional competitions.

Despite the quality of these opponents, Rayon Sports remains confident that its home advantage, passionate supporters, and thorough preparations can help the club go all the way.

Another major incentive is the financial reward attached to qualification. The team that secures a place in the CAF Women's Champions League will receive US$150,000 from CAF, a significant amount that will help support preparations for the continental competition.

The tournament format will begin with a group stage, after which the group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals.

With Rwanda hosting the competition, Rayon Sports supporters are optimistic that the team can capitalize on playing at home and finally achieve the goal that slipped away last year.

Will Rayon Sports Women FC finally celebrate after falling just one step short in 2025? The answer will be revealed between August 21 and 31, 2026, when Rwanda hosts the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers.

Written by: Igiraneza Migisha Janviére