Amavubi have traveled to South Sudan for the second round of the CHAN 2025 Qualifiers.
Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, consisting of 25 players and led by coach Jimmy Mulisa, has departed from Kanombe International Airport for Juba via Addis Ababa to face South Sudan’s Bright Stars in the second round of the CHAN 2025 Qualifiers.
Under Frank Torsten Splitter, who is currently on holiday, Rwanda eliminated Djibouti with a 3-1 aggregate score in the first round. The second round will fall under the management of Jimmy Mulisa, the usual assistant coach to Frank Torsten Splitter.
Sosthene Habimana will assist Mulisa in this double encounter, with South Sudan hosting the first leg at Juba Stadium on December 22.The return leg will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on December 28.
South Sudan reached this stage of the qualifiers by defeating Kenya 3-1 on aggregate in the first round.
The winner of the Rwanda-South Sudan match will qualify for the CHAN 2025 tournament, which will see the CECAFA Zone represented by four teams, including hosts Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, in February 2025.
Amavubi have been in training camp since the start of this week at both Amahoro and KPS, preparing for their CHAN 2025 second-round clash against the Bright Stars
The FERWABA General Assembly lifted the term limit for the federation leader during its meeting on November 16, 2024, clearing the way for Desire Mugwiza, regarded as the modernizer of the game in the country, to lead the federation for another four-year term.
On November 16, 2024, the Rwanda Basketball legal community lifted the term limit for the president of the federation, confirming December 21, 2024, as the date to elect the next president for the following four years.
Prior to the election date, Mr. Albert Kayiranga, the president of the election commission, released a letter confirming that Mr. Desire Mugwiza is the unopposed candidate for the presidency of the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA).
In an in-depth analysis, Ground Sports raised the question of why Desire Mugwiza is considered a key figure in Rwandan basketball.
Based on the GS analysis and the views of sports enthusiasts, it is clear that basketball in Rwanda faces few governance challenges. Moreover, the successful initiatives carried out by the country under the federation’s framework have ensured that there is no demand for change from its members.
As the elections on Saturday approach, Mr. Mugwiza have no opposition, based on insights gathered from attendees at the recent general assembly held last month in the conference room at Park Inn Hotel.
Why is Mugwiza’s name mentioned right after “Basketball in Rwanda”?
Mr. Desire Mugwiza has led basketball in Rwanda since 2012, succeeding Eric Kalisa. Under his leadership, the administration of this game has undergone significant changes, especially in addressing the challenges the federation’s administration faced at that time.
In Rwanda’s sports sector, the Rwanda Basketball Federation is widely regarded as one of the leading models for good governance.
In line with Rwanda’s broader national vision and political goal of becoming a hub for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions (MCEs), the Rwanda Basketball Federation has successfully hosted major basketball events. This has further strengthened the trust Rwandans place in it to promote the sport, both commercially and in terms of business development.
Desire Mugwiza, the undisputed president of FERWABA for the next four years, has outlined plans to transform the Rwanda Basketball League into a professional League. He mentioned that procedures, ongoing discussions among members, and retreats will take place to finalize these plans.
Last season, the Rwanda Basketball League introduced the use of the instant replay system, making it the first local sports league to implement this technology, setting a precedent for other leagues across Africa.
For the first time in #Rwanda -n history, a local league has implemented an Instant Replay System, know as VAR on other sports.
This IRS has been called by a team of international referees —Jean Sauveur Ruhamiriza, Nasuuna Monica (🇺🇬), and Alype Baso Ntakirutimana—to resolve a… pic.twitter.com/425EqGPnHb
As a core component of the federation’s daily activities, the Rwanda Basketball League has emerged as one of the best in Africa. A local team even finished third in the recent Afro-Can competition.
In terms of talent development and youth programs, basketball in Rwanda is a regional leader. The boys’ team ranks 9th in Africa and 47th globally, while the girls’ team holds the 10th position on the continent and 45th globally, thanks to the success of local competitions, infrastructure development, and basketball clinics held across the country.
Mr. Desire Mugwiza (R), recently named Best African Federation President by FIBA, is expected to continue leading basketball in Rwanda for the next four years. In the picture, Mugwiza is seen with Anibal Aurelio Manave, the FIBA Africa President.
As part of a recent General Assembly resolution, members will now have the right to vote out a leader if deemed necessary. With no opposition, Mr. Mugwiza is expected to present his manifesto to the assembly rather than compete for a new seat.
Once confirmed by the General Assembly, Mugwiza will continue working with his team, which includes Pascale Mugwaneza, first vice president; Jose Eduard Munyangaju “Elongi,” second vice president and new in the team; Aimée Munana, legal advisor; and Claudette Mugwaneza Habimana, technical advisor. Alice Muhongerwa will remain responsible for overseeing the federation’s bank accounts.
Marius Maxime Mwiseneza, a former player and current coach, will collaborate with the committee to provide guidance on youth development.
Mr. Mugwiza will deliver a speech on December 21, 2024, at the Park Inn Hotel, outlining how he and his committee plan to expand the reach of basketball to a wider audience.
Senegalese Ndioma Kane was named FIBA WBLA 2024 MVP after Al Ahly Sporting Club’s 72-81 loss to Ferroviário de Maputo in the final.
Senegal international forward Ndioma Kane’s defensive prowess earned her the Most Valuable Player accolade in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2024, despite her team’s loss to Ferroviário de Maputo in the final.
Kane guided the Egyptian champions to an undefeated 5-0 run before falling to Mozambique powerhouse Ferroviário de Maputo.
The 25-year-old, 190 cm power forward delivered an outstanding defensive performance in the 72-81 final loss, recording 9 blocks. She also scored 16 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, provided 3 assists, and stole 4 balls in 37 minutes on the court.
Kane finished the WBLA 2024 as the most efficient player, thanks to her blocking ability. She topped the blocking chart with 4.3 blocks per game, ahead of her Senegalese compatriot and REG center Aminata Ly, who averaged 2.8.
Ndioma Kane headlines the All-Star Team as the MVP, joined by Senegalese Elisabeth Dabou Kamita from ASCVD, Shaina Pellington from APR, Ingvild Mucauro of Ferroviário de Maputo, and her teammate Raneem Elgedawy, all of whom earned honors as the best players in their respective positions.
L-R: Raneem Elgedawy (Center), Elisabeth Dabou Kamita (Forward), Ndioma Kane (Forward), Ingvild Mucauro (Guard), and Shaina Pellington (Guard) make the tournament’s five-star team.
In addition to the five best players of the tournament, FIBA presented other individual awards. APR’s Shaina Pellington earned the title of top scorer, averaging 18.2 points per game.
APR’s Shaina Pellington received two awards: top scorer and a spot on the tournament’s All-Star team.
Two more APR players, Italee Lucas (16.5 PPG) and Kierstan Bell (15.8), followed Pellington, but only the top scorer claimed a spot on the podium.
REG’s Aminata Ly claimed the title of best rebounder, while Ferroviário’s Anabela Costa was recognized as the best three-point shooter
APR point guard and Rwanda national team captain, Destiney Promise Philoxy, averaged the highest assists in the tournament with 5.7 per game, a feat she shared with Senegal’s Foune Sissoko.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Friend’s Basketball Association received the Fair Play trophy.
Ferroviário de Maputo won the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their third continental title in history.
The FIBA WBLA 2024 Champions, Ferroviario de Maputo
Italee Lucas scored a game-high 30 points to lead APR to a third-place finish in the FIBA WBLA 2024.
The Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Women’s Basketball Club narrowly defeated the hosts, ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD), 96-94, to finish in third place in the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their first-ever continental podium finish.
On Sunday, December 15, APR stunned the hosts in Senegal to secure the bronze medal after a thrilling overtime victory.
APR got off to a strong start, taking a 12-point lead after the first period, 23-11. However, ASCVD mounted a comeback in the second quarter, cutting the deficit and leveling the score at 37-all by halftime.
Both teams exchanged leads in a back-and-forth third and fourth quarter (22-21, 23-24), and the game ended with an 82-82 tie after 40 minutes, sending the match into a five-minute overtime.
The overtime period was as close as regular time, with the game remaining tight until the final 4.3 seconds. APR’s Italee Lucas grabbed a defensive rebound, but ASCVD’s Elizabeth Dabou fouled her, sending Lucas to the free-throw line.
Lucas, an American-Angolan guard with an 82.3% free-throw percentage before taking the FTs, made both shots. The Senegalese team had one last chance to win, but their buzzer-beater three-pointer attempt missed, and the game ended 96-94 in favor of APR.
APR’s backcourt duo, Shaina Pellington and Kamba Yoro Diakité, played 45 minutes each, scoring 22 and 15 points, respectively.
Forwards Kierstan Bell and Italee Lucas also played heavy minutes, with Bell logging 41 minutes and scoring 24 points, while Lucas played 40 minutes and led all scorers with 30 points. Together, these four players combined for 91 of the team’s 96 points.
On the other hand, REG suffered an 8-0 run in overtime against Côte d’Ivoire’s FBA, losing 47-55 to finish in sixth place, down from their fourth-place finish last season.
This is APR’s first-ever podium finish in the FIBA Women’s Basketball Africa League.
APR Women’s Basketball Club finished third in the FIBA WBLA 2024, securing their first-ever continental podium finish.
Ferroviário de Maputo won the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their third continental title in history.
The standout trio from APR, Italee Lucas, Kierstan Bell, and Shaina Pellington, led the team to victory over FBA.
APR Women BBC defeated Côte d’Ivoire’s FBA 59-49 in the quarterfinals of WBLA 2024 to secure a historic semifinal spot, while REG Women BBC lost to Senegal’s ASCVD in a heartbreaking comeback.
Rwanda’s flag bearers in the 2024 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) produced mixed emotions on Friday night. APR’s hard-fought fourth quarter earned them a spot in the final four, while REG WBBC’s poor fourth-quarter performance cost them the game.
APR led FBA by a point after the first quarter, 14-13. However, the West Africans surged back, taking the lead in both the second and third quarters, 15-9 and 15-14, to establish a 6-point lead (43-37) before the final period.
Charles Mushumba’s APR fought back to score 22 points in the final quarter while limiting FBA to just 6 points.
Shaina Pellington fueled APR’s 59-49 win over FBA. The 25-year-old Canadian Olympian scored a game-high 21 points, with 13 of those coming from the free-throw line out of 16 attempts.
Kierstan Bell and Italee Lucas contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively.
APR W BBC celebrates a historic achievement in WBLA
This is the first time APR Women BBC has reached the semifinals of the African Club Championship. They will face either Senegal’s Jeanne d’Arc or Mozambique’s Ferroviário de Maputo in the semifinals tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, at Marius Ndiaye.
On the other hand, ASCVD knocked out Rwandan champions and Zone V runners-up REG in heartbreaking fashion.
The Rwandan team led after the first three quarters (18-8, 11-15, and 19-12), but it became clear that Julian Martinez’s team would struggle in the final quarter, as the Spanish coach only used six players in the game.
A dynamic and physical Senegalese team dominated REG in the final quarter, outscoring them 20-7 to force overtime.
In overtime, ASCVD, the home team that had rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final quarter, took advantage of REG’s struggle with only six players and outscored them 6-2 to clinch a 61-57 victory and advance to the semifinals.
REG WBBC failed to replicate their achievement from last season, when they reached the semifinals in Egypt.
ASCVD will face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the second semifinal game.
Police VC eased past EAUR in straight sets to conclude the Rwanda Volleyball National League 1st Phase unbeaten.
The Rwanda National Police Volleyball team stunned East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR) 3-0 on Friday night under the floodlights of Petit Stade, concluding the league’s first phase with a perfect record.
Coached by Fred Musoni, the team triumphed over their seventh opponent of the season, showcasing their hunger for the Rwanda National League title, which they have never won.
In a fast-paced match against a tough opponent, Police VC overpowered EAUR with 25-19, 25-16, and 25-16, finishing the first phase with a flawless record from seven games.
In other Friday matches, Kepler stunned REG 3-1, while APR defeated RP Ngoma 3-0.
With today’s results, Police finished the first phase in a well-deserved top position, earning 21 points out of a possible 21. They won 21 sets and lost only 2.
Police VC lead the Rwanda Volleyball National League First Leg standings.
Defending champions APR secured second place with 15 points. Kepler and REG both have 12 points, but Kepler, having won their head-to-head match today, claims third place due to the set ratio.
The second phase is set to begin next month, with Mamba Beach Volleyball tipping off next weekend, followed by the second round of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour.
The Mamba Volleyball Club Family is hosting its second Beach Volleyball Tournament from December 20-22, featuring both veterans and National League players, with new thrills aimed at strengthening the bond among volleyball enthusiasts in Rwanda.
Following last year’s successful expansion from non-professional athlete competition to include National League players, Mamba aims to bring former volleyball legends of all ages together to exchange ideas on the development of the game, with an emphasis on life after retiring from professional volleyball.
The Veterans’ tournament began on November 13 with the preliminary round, featuring 13 pairs to save time and allocate enough space for the professional pairs during the three-day event in December.
According to Dieudonné Nzeyimana, Mamba’s Secretary-General, registration for league-affiliated players is still open until the end of this week.
Nzeyimana also stated that the format for the National League players’ competition has not been determined yet, as they are still finalizing the number of pairs that will participate. He added that they want this year’s tournament to be highly competitive.
Dieudonné Nzeyimana
“We aim to organize a top-level beach volleyball event that will motivate participants to continue developing their talents. We plan to triple the prize money compared to last year,” Nzeyimana said.
Mamba has not specified the prize money yet, as discussions with sponsors and partners are still ongoing; however, some deals are expected to be finalized within the next three days.
The group stages for both men’s and women’s National League players, along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals, will take place on December 20-21 at two selected locations: Mamba Club Kimihurura and Green Park-Gahanga. The finalists in each category will compete on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Mamba Club Kimihurura.
The semi-finals and finals for the veterans will also take place from December 20-22, 2024, at Mamba Club Kimihurura.
The prestige of the Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament 2024 will extend beyond the sand, with a special package available for volleyball fans attending the event.
Mamba and Green Park will offer special discounts on food and drinks, a professional DJ will entertain attendees, and there will be activities for kids, as well as other leisure sports
Reflecting on the previous edition, which marked the 15th anniversary of Mamba Volleyball Club and the beginning of the tournament’s expansion, the chairperson of the club, Mr. Christian Shingiro, emphasized that the love for volleyball should not end when professional players retire but should continue to spread and bring people together around the sport.
“We (Mamba) realized that the passion for volleyball should not stop at Kimihurura, where we are based, but should engage more people, including young talents, to stay focused and work hard to achieve more in their volleyball careers,” Shingiro added.
Mr. Christian Shingiro, the Chairperson of Mamba Volleyball Club.
The chairman also stressed the importance of discipline and long-term vision in achieving success in any field. “No matter how much talent you have, discipline will make you last longer or cause you to quit soon,” he said.
On behalf of the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), Secretary-General Philibert Mucyo praised the partnership with Mamba for this growing tournament.
“We want more athletes to compete in various competitions, and Mamba provides a significant solution. Not only are they organizing this tournament, but they are also helping us organize the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Round 2, scheduled for January, and Round 3, which will take place in Rubavu in May 2025,” Mucyo said.
Philibert Mucyo, Secretary-General of the FRVB.
“This is a strong partnership between the federation and the game’s legends to advance efforts supporting beach volleyball in Rwanda,” declared SG Mucyo.
Mamba is a non-FRVB-affiliated club based in Kimihurura, composed of former volleyball and beach volleyball players, as well as passionate volleyball enthusiasts.
Members of Club Mamba are committed to supporting the development of beach volleyball in Rwanda and plan to launch a beach volleyball academy in due course.
REG Women BBC Secures First WBLA 2024 Win by Defeating DR Congo’s ASB Makomeno 83-51, Bouncing Back from Opening Game Loss.
Rwanda Energy Group (REG) bounced back from their opening game loss to Ferroviario de Maputo on Monday, December 9, defeating ASB Makomeno to improve to a 1-1 record and move up in the standings.
The Rwandan champions finished the first quarter trailing by one point (13-12), but they swiftly regained control and maintained the lead for the remainder of the game
Julian Martinez’s side dominated the remaining three quarters, outscoring the Congolese side 25-8, 18-10, and 28-20 to clinch a well-deserved win.
Center Ines Nezerwa delivered a stellar double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The Burundi-born player also contributed 2 assists and 6 steals in 31 minutes on the floor.
Ines Nezerwa, also known as Giti, delivered a double-double performance.
Guard Rosine Micomyiza came off the bench to score a game-high 17 points, making 5 of 8 field goals—all from behind the arc. Destiney Promise Philoxy added 13 points and 9 assists, while Kenyan Victoria Reynolds was sidelined for the game.
Rosine Micomyiza ‘Cisse’ was clinical from beyond the arc, helping REG secure their first WBLA 2024 win
Malian wonderkid Aichata Traore led the scoring for ASB Makomeno, putting up 15 points and 11 rebounds in her 30 minutes of play.
REG’s victory moves them into second place in Group C, behind Ferroviario de Maputo, who leads the group.
REG’s next game is against Senegal’s Jeanne d’Arc on Wednesday, December 11, at Marius Ndiaye. Both teams have the same win-loss record, and the winner will claim a spot in the top two and secure a place in the knockout stages.
The top two teams from all three groups will advance to the quarterfinals, while the two best third-placed teams will also progress to complete the eight-team knockout stage.
Makuto (#13) blocks Kepler's Romeo in the game where Police triumphed 3-1 over Kepler at Petit Stade.
Eliphas Makuto inspired Police VC to beat Kepler 3-1, keeping them in first place in the Rwanda Volleyball League after Phase 1, Round 5.
Rwanda National Police VC overcame another league challenge on Friday night, defeating a strong Kepler team at Petit Stade to maintain the top position after Round 5.
Fred Musoni-coached Police opted to start South Sudanese player James Anchuil as an opposite hitter and sidelined Eliphas Makuto, resulting in a loss of the first set 25-22.
After Makuto was introduced later in the first set, the Kenyan international started the second set and shifted Kepler’s dominance for good.
The former Kenya Prisons player became a serious threat to Fidel Nyirimana’s Kepler, leading Police to claim the next three sets and secure the three points of the game.
Police outscored Kepler in the second, third, and fourth sets (25-18, 25-22, and 25-22), handing Kepler their third loss of the season.
The win marks Police’s sixth victory this season, keeping them unbeaten to date. They have defeated REG, APR, RP Ngoma, Gisagara, KVC, and most recently, Kepler, to claim the top spot in the standings.
Makuto’s Police VC lead the standings with 18 points from 6 games. APR and Gisagara follow in second and third place, respectively. In the women’s category, RRA continues to lead with a perfect 6-0 record and 17 points.
Police Women VC follows in second place with 15 points, while APR sits in third with 13 points.
Rayon Sports beat Muhazi 2-1 to claim three points in their 9th consecutive win in the Rwanda Premier League, ahead of their clash with APR FC, who dropped points to Police FC.
Olivier Niyonzima netted two early goals on Wednesday night, extending the Blues’ winning run, while their rivals, APR, were held to a draw by Police FC at the same venue earlier.
Olivier Niyonzima ‘Seif’ broke the deadlock with a beautiful header from Hakim Bugingo’s well-taken free kick, giving Gikundiro an early lead in the 11th minute.
A few minutes later, Fall Ngagne, the league’s leading scorer, found the back of the net, but the first assistant referee, Said Ndayisaba, ruled the goal offside.
Rayon Sports continued to dominate the Eastern Province-based club, bolstered by the support of their fan base. For the results, Olivier Niyonzima, who is not usually a starter, doubled the lead with another brilliant header in the 25th minute.
Niyonzima scored once more with a header, this time from a perfectly delivered corner by Kevin Muhire.
With a 2-0 lead at the break, some of the Blues’ fans started to think about the next match. However, Emmanuel Ruremesha’s Muhazi team turned things around in the second half and put pressure on Rayon Sports.
Substitute Nicolas Kagaba pulled one back in the 56th minute, boosting the morale of the team, which was clearly dominating possession.
Robertinho shook up his bench and introduced Rogers Kanamugire and Adama Bagayoko to shore up the midfield and help contain Muhazi. The changes kept them in the game until the final whistle.
Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run has now reached 11 matches, though their streak of clean sheets ended at 8. Their strong form sets the stage for Saturday’s highly anticipated clash against APR in the 1000 Hills Derby.
Earlier at the same venue, APR drew 1-1 with Police FC in a “security entities battle.”
Abedi Bigirimana put Police ahead 10 minutes after kick-off, before Aliou Souane leveled the score in the same half.
The army team should have scored a second, but Onesime Rukundo saved Mamadou Sy’s penalty.
The draw hurt APR, who are still chasing the leaders, Rayon Sports. They remain in fifth place with 18 points from 9 matches.
Gikundiro moved 9 points clear at the top of the standings after their 9th consecutive win, bringing their total to 29 points from 11 matches.
AS Kigali holds second place with 20 points, having played the same number of matches as Rayon Sports.
These Wednesday results set the tone for Saturday’s derby, and the question now is: “Will the defending champions APR stop the high-flying Rayon Sports in front of a packed Modern Amahoro Stadium?”
