For four years, Raf has recruited five players from Lorient, its opponent on Friday October 25, as part of the 10th day of Ligue 2. A look back at these courses, made of varying fortunes.
Julien Ponceau undermined by injuries
He arrived on a season-long loan in October 2020, a year when the transfer market was stretched following confinement. But Julien Ponceau had to be patient: his first match in blood and gold had waited until January. The midfielder who came to accumulate playing time was hampered by two injuries which slowed down his adaptation. He was then essentially used as a rotational element by Laurent Peyrelade (16 appearances in Ligue 2 including 6 starts), where he showed certain qualities, failing to really impose himself. Ponceau exploded the following season at Nîmes, with whom he had another loan, before returning to Lorient. He has since established himself in his training club, where he has remained despite the descent to L2 this summer.
Loris Mouyokolo, thwarted rise
Arriving on loan in August 2022, Loris Mouyokolo also had the ambition to accumulate playing time in Aveyron. He was a good surprise by quickly establishing himself in the Ruthenian defense. But his progress was hampered by a serious injury, the rupture of an Achilles tendon, which kept him away from the field for almost a year. The 23-year-old returns to Ligue 2 this season, having signed a three-year contract with Grenoble, with whom he has already made 6 appearances.
The promises of Sambou Soumano
He also wore the colors of Rodez during the 2022-2023 season. Arriving on loan during the winter transfer market, Sambou Soumano quickly became a regular starter at the top of the 3-5-2, often partnered with Killian Corredor. Within a team struggling to maintain its position, he had contributed in particular through his athletic qualities and playing with his back to goal, despite a limited statistical contribution (2 goals in 19 appearances). The Senegalese confirmed his promises the following season at Quevilly-Rouen, where he had another loan, with 12 goals in L2 despite relegation at the end of the season. He has performed since his return to Lorient, where he is regularly used by Olivier Pantaloni (8 appearances, 2 goals).
Dembo Sylla, express relaunch
He is certainly the most successful former Hake in Rodez. Barred in Brittany, full-back Dembo Sylla was loaned during the second half of last season to Raf. A conclusive choice, since the Guinean quickly established himself, thanks to his speed and his offensive qualities, to the point of becoming one of the strong men of the blood and gold during their apotheotic final, which took them all the way to at accession barriers. After his time at Rodez, Dembo Sylla joined Dender, in the Belgian first division, where he played little.
Aurélien Pelon is waiting for his chance
The latest player to have taken the Lorient-Rodez route, Aurélien Pelon is the only one not to have come on loan. For the moment, the central defender has not managed to establish himself as a regular starter in the mind of Didier Santini (5 appearances including 3 starts). But the 20-year-old is only at the beginning of his adventure at Raf, with whom he is under contract until 2027.
