The Patriots’ point guard, Aristide Mugabe may still be playing at a club level but his international career has officially come to the end.
KIGALI, June 30, Prior to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers window 3 games, The Patriots star revealed that he is retiring from Rwanda Basketball National team. Putting an end to 11 years of an incredible journey.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Mugabe thanks the Lord, federation, players and staff for the support given to realize his dreams.
It has been real! 11 years representing my country 🇷🇼 🙏🏾 God made it happen for me, It has been an honor and a blessing to be a part of the National team(DREAM CAME TRUE ) pic.twitter.com/jHqQbYXAvy
— Mugabe Aristide (@AriMugabe88) June 30, 2022
Mugabe was the flag bearer for Rwanda at several occasions including three AfroBasket editions. In 2011 in Madagascar, 2013 in Côte d’Ivoire and 2017 in Tunisia, making him one of the most respected athletes in the country.
In the statement released, the veteran point guard is proud of what he helped the Rwanda National Team accomplish on the court. He said, “I am grateful and proud that I gave it all.”
Mugabe, 34, left a legacy not only on the court but off-court too. During the 2022 BAL Final games, BAL honoured Aristide Mugabe for promoting the sport on the continent.
In 2021, With other famous Basketball personalities, Masai Ujiri, Luol Deng, Mark Tatum, and Mugabe were among the baby Gorilla namers. A great honour in a country of thousand hills.
Background
Aristide Mugabe started his Basketball journey in 2001 at EAV Ntendezi (high school) in Nyamasheke, a district in the Western Province of Rwanda. And his talent showed up soon to catch the eye of St Joseph Kabgayi scouts. In St Joseph, his potential manifested and started to shine at the high school level both in the country and in the East African region at large.
In 2007, Mugabe debuted his Basketball career in Rusizi BBC in Rwanda’s top-tier league. After two seasons, he joined Espoir BBC and two years later started to earn the National team call-ups.
In 2015, He signed for the Patriots and until now he is still loyal to this Kigali-based club where he serves as team captain. From 2013, he captained the National team until 2018.
February 26, 2022, in Dakar Arena, against Cameroon, Mugabe played his final international game for Rwanda.
Furthermore, history will remember him as the first captain to ever win a Basketball Africa League game. May 16, 2021, when Patriots beat Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers.
Why is Mugabe admirable by everyone?
Apart from his ability to lead the game, Aristide Mugabe is kind, friendly, and a team player. He can carry the team with his long-range shoots and his skills to dish the ball very effectively.
A great leadership quality. He captained Espoir to win the league four times in a row between 2012 and 2015, before leading the Patriots to yet another 4 league titles.
Mugabe and Espoir BBC, claimed the 2012 FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship in Kampala, Uganda, where he was named MVP.
There is no doubt that his character and success won the hearts of basketball lovers in Rwanda.
He is a legend!
