When Ayabonga Lebitsa first spoke to Hobe Australia, he described his experience with Rayon Sports as both a challenge and a blessing. “The role came to me as a big, big, big challenge because I had been told that Rayon Sports is a team with a massive fan base,” he said. I wanted to stay in Rwanda forever Ayabonga Lebitsa in exclusive talk with Hobe Australia Despite the pressure, Lebitsa explained that his approach went beyond coaching. “It has been great because I was not only a coach to them, but I opened a door to be a brother so that they could open up to me anytime or talk to me anyti

When Ayabonga Lebitsa first spoke to Hobe Australia, he described his experience with Rayon Sports as both a challenge and a blessing. “The role came to me as a big, big, big challenge because I had been told that Rayon Sports is a team with a massive fan base,” he said.

I wanted to stay in Rwanda forever Ayabonga Lebitsa in exclusive talk with Hobe Australia

Despite the pressure, Lebitsa explained that his approach went beyond coaching. “It has been great because I was not only a coach to them, but I opened a door to be a brother so that they could open up to me anytime or talk to me anytime.” He admitted that his biggest challenge was the lack of equipment, but this did not stop him from fulfilling his mission. “Challenges I encountered were mostly equipment. I had to make other alternatives and be more creative in terms of making sure players were ready physically and mentally,” he recalled. Lebitsa is especially proud of what he was able to achieve during his time at Rayon Sports. “My greatest achievement was making sure the team stayed on top of the log even though we lost very, very important matches at times. The most unforgettable experience was doing the whole preseason alone before the arrival of Robertinho, and in the league we won approximately 13–14 matches without a loss or draw. It was really an experience I will never forget, especially making sure the team qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup.” Speaking about life in Rwanda, Lebitsa became emotional. “I had built a strong bond with people of Rwanda. I had already adapted to the language, food, and culture. I wanted to stay, I wanted to be a permanent citizen there,” he said, adding that leaving was the hardest part. “Before I made a decision, I tried different people to help me stay because I didn’t want to leave at all.” Now back in South Africa, he is starting over. “I’m adjusting to the safeness again and now I’m going to work with some new team,” he told Hobe Australia. But his heart still longs for Rwanda. “I’m just hoping that maybe next season I will find a job there and go back to Rwanda. Maybe I might be lucky—work for the national team or any club—because I have friends, brothers, and family there that I have left.” “Rwanda was my home,” Lebitsa concluded, underlining that his journey with Rayon Sports left a mark on his life that will never fade.

A little more informed. A little more connected.