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2024 FIBA WBLA Qualifiers: APR Women BBC Makes Statement with Win Over KPA.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR Women BBC
APR Women BBC made a strong statement in their opening game of the 2024 FIBA Women Basketball League Africa Zone V Qualifiers, dominating KPA Women with a 96-76 victory.

 

APR Women Basketball Club started the 2024 FIBA WBLA Qualifiers on Monday, October 28, with a big win over the last year’s Zonal champions.

The 2024 RBL runners-up began their road to Dakar with an amazing win, securing a 20-point victory over Kenya’s KPA.

The Rwandan army team took a strong lead in the first quarter, finishing at 26-19, fueled by Kamba Diakite’s 13 points.

The Kenya Ports Authority team leveraged Charles Mushumba’s rotations in the second quarter to narrow the gap to just 3 points by halftime, 40-43.

APR asserted control and dominated the third and fourth quarters as Shaina Pellington, Italee Lucas, and Channel Mokango returned to the court. They outscored KPA 26-17 in the third quarter and 27-19 in the fourth to leave them no chance for a comeback.

Kamba Yoro Diakite led all scorers with 27 points, while Italee Lucas scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists in her black-and-white debut.

APR Women BBC
The American-Angolan guard Italee Lucas delivered an impressive debut.

The Canadian point guard Shaina Pellington also shone in her debut, posting a double-double with 21 points and 11 assists. She also finished her 36 minutes on the court with 3 rebounds.

Channel Mokango, another recent addition to the roster, delivered an impressive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

KPA’s Alima Doumbia scored 22 points in just 22 minutes spent on the court, while Malu Irebu Grace contributed 21 points as well.

A win for APR against the defending champions places them in a strong position and sends a clear message to all title contenders.

Earlier at Amaan Indoor Sport Hall, Rwanda’s reigning champions, REG WBBC, defeated Kenya’s champions, Equity Bank, 86-73. Destiny Philoxy contributed 18 points in the game.

REG has now recorded two wins in row and will return to the court tomorrow, October 29, to face the Burundian Gladiators.

APR Women BBC will play two hours later, at 3 PM East African time, against Ethiopia’s Hawassa City.

Zone V will be represented by two teams in the 2024 FIBA WBLA, scheduled from December 5-16 in Dakar, Senegal.

FIBA WBLA Qualifiers: Mercy Wanyama drops 15 points as REG stun Fox Divas.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Mercy Wanyama
Mercy Wanyama scored a game-high 15 points to lead REG Women BBC to an overwhelming 105-48 win over Fox Divas in their first game of the 2024 FIBA Women Basketball League Africa Zone V Qualifiers.

ZANZIBAR, October 27 Rwanda’s champions and flag bearers in the FIBA Women Basketball League Africa Zone V Qualifiers delivered a convincing defeat to Tanzania’s Fox Divas in their opening game, fueled by a strong performance from Kenyan international Mercy Wanyama, who scored 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Although coach Julian Martinez had not played Wanyama in the league playoffs finals due to the foreigner quotas, she proved her capabilities in this regional competition, scoring 15 points on 6-11 shooting from field and making 3-4 free throws in a one-sided game that made a statement to other zone V contenders in the newly established premier clubs’ competition on the continent.

Alongside Mercy Wanyama, her compatriot Victoria Reynolds added 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 18 minutes. Henriette Uwimpuhwe also scored 13 points in her debut, while Destiney Philoxy and Kristina Morgan King each contributed 13 points.

For the Tanzanian side, Jescal Julius Ngisaise stood out with 15 points and 6 rebounds.

REG WBBC finished fourth in the 2023 FIBA WBLA and will face a serious challenge from Equity Bank and Gladiators in their upcoming group games if they want to advance to the knockout stage and secure one of the two spots representing Zone V in Dakar for the main competition.

REG WBBC will be back in action tomorrow, October 28, against Kenya’s Equity Bank.

Mercy Wanyama
REG WBBC

EAUR shocks Gisagara and sets the tone for the Rwanda Volleyball National League.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Rwanda Volleyball National League
East African University Rwanda (EAUR) stunned Gisagara in a thrilling four-set match of Round 2 in the Rwanda Volleyball National League, marking their second consecutive win and raising the stakes for the 2024-25 season.

On Saturday, October 26, EAUR overcame the odds to defeat the 2023 Rwanda Volleyball National League champions, winning the match 3-1.

Despite entering the match as the underdog, the determined EAUR’s ambitions became clear in the first set, hinting that the game would be close.

EAUR claimed the first set 26-24, but Gisagara, led by Yakan Laurence, quickly responded and leveled the match at 1-1 with another nail-biting 27-25 set.

EAUR came back with renewed determination in the third set, clinching it 25-22 thanks to an effective connection between setter Kayiranga and left attacker Jean Paul Nshuti.

The sidelines buzzed with rivalry as volleyball legend Vincent Dusabimana ‘Gasongo’ squared off against his former national teammate and captain, Yakan Guma Laurence.
Gisagara fought hard to regain their pride, winning the fourth set by any means necessary, but EAUR remained resolute.

Libero Jules Niyigena made important sprawl and dive saves against powerful spikes from Malinga and Niyogisubizo to keep EAUR in the game.

Again, the set was quite close, but EAUR came out on top, 25-23 and Vincent Dusabimana’s volleyball coaching career took a significant step forward following this hard fought win.

This is a notable first victory for EAUR in their second year. Following a 3-1 victory against RP Ngoma College, with this remarkable win over Gisagara, the Remera-based university has established itself in the league and makes the competition for playoff slots quite intense.

EAUR is currently in second place, trailing the top-ranked Police VC, who maintained their lead after a commendable 3-0 victory over the defending champions APR on Friday night.

Rwanda Volleyball National League
EAUR celebrated their victory over GVC, which is arguably their biggest win in two years of existence.
Rwanda Volleyball National League
Prof. Callixte Kabera, the EAUR vice chancellor and the driving force behind the volleyball team’s philosophy (sitting at the far right), watched the game while chatting with other VIPs, including Fernand Ruterana, the former Zone V President (left)

The Rwanda Volleyball National league action continues this Sunday at Petit Stade, with KVC set to face Kepler at 4 PM.

Rwanda climbs 4 places in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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FIFA World Rankings
Amavubi have made significant strides in the October FIFA World Rankings.
Rwanda’s Amavubi moved four places up in the FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, October 24, 2024.


The recent rise of the Amavubi in FIFA rankings highlights their impressive performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin at Amahoro Stadium.

A remarkable comeback victory allowed Rwanda to recover from a previous 3-0 defeat, which could have negatively impacted their October rankings.

The Amavubi (Wasps) now have 1130.04 points, an increase from 1123.32 points they previously held. The 6.72 points gained from their double header against Benin helped them move up from 130th to 126th in the global standings.

Rwanda is currently ranked 36th on the continent and 6th among East African countries.

Morocco has retained its spot as Africa’s best football team in FIFA World Rankings. The Atlas Lions’ back-to-back victories over the Central African Republic earned them an additional 5.43 points, bringing their total to 1681.57, moving them up to 13th place in the world.

Following Morocco in Africa are Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, and DR Congo, in that order.

DR Congo remains the leader in East Africa, ranked 157th globally, while Uganda follows at 87th in the world and 18th in Africa. Kenya is ranked 106th, Sudan 110th, and Tanzania 112th.

Burundi, which recently dismissed coach Etienne Ndayiragije, is currently ranked 139th in the FIFA world rankings Rankings .

There are no changes in the top six places globally, with reigning world champions Argentina still in the lead. France, Spain, England, Brazil, and Belgium round out the unchanged six.

Since Frank Torsten Spittler took charge, the Rwanda national team has shown significant improvement. They currently lead Group C in the 2026 World Cup African Qualifiers, and hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON still stand.

The next FIFA World Rankings will be released on November 18, 2024.

APR teams begin title defense in exciting round 2 of the volleyball league.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
APR
APR teams embark on their title defense in action-packed round 2 of the Rwanda volleyball league on this Friday, taking on high-flying Police volleyball teams in highly anticipated matches set to take place at Petit Stade.

 

APR volleyball teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will compete against Police teams in the opening matches of Round 2 to start their title defense against tough challengers.

The army teams missed the first round due to their participation in the Nyerere Cup in Tanzania, and they are eager to make a strong league start on Friday, October 25, against high-flying Police.

The APR vs. Police matchup is a fierce derby that has ignited passion among fans, especially in the women’s category. Last season’s nail-biting best-of-three playoff finals, where Police narrowly lost to APR, add an extra layer of intensity to this derby of security entities.

With Nyerere Cups in the trophy cabinet, the Kimihurura-based teams are gearing up to defend their league titles with renewed energy and the addition of new players. The women’s team will feature foreign players for the first time after depending on local talent for years.

Middle-blocker Sharon Amito, who moved from Police to APR this summer, will face her former club for the first time, bearing the pressure of her high-profile transfer.

Police WVC will rely on Catherine Ainembabazi, crucial in their victory over EAUR, as they aim to maintain their top position when they take on APR this Friday.

In the men’s category, the Sam Mulingye’s side, who finished fourth in the regular season, stunned the top-seeded REG in the semifinals and defeated Kepler to clinch the 2023-24 Rwanda Volleyball League title.

Meanwhile, Police, last season’s runners-up, have started this season strong, making their match against APR a highly anticipated clash.

APR’s setter Paul Akan and opposite Venuste Gatsinzi, who were key players last season, are expected to lead the team in an effort to disrupt Police’s momentum.

Having dominated REG last weekend, Police, under Fred Musoni, will look to maintain their form, with setter Crispin Ntateteri and newly signed Johara Koita anticipated to set the pace for the team against the reigning champions.

Police WVC will take on APR WVC at 5 p.m., followed by men’s match at 7 p.m. local time.

Tickets are available for a minimum fee of 5,000 RWF and can be purchased at ticqet.rw.

AS Kigali beat Vision FC 2-1 to climb to the top of the RPL table.

By
Ground Sports
-
AS Kigali triumphed 2-1 over Vision FC in the final match of Rwanda Premier League (RPL) match day 6, with Shaban Hussein and Osée Iyabivuze scoring to secure their spot at the top of the standings.

 

The Citizens celebrated a weighty victory in the RPL on October 21, securing all three points against Vision FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

The match began with veteran striker Shaban Hussein, known as “Chabalala”, opening the scoring in the 21st minute with a fantastic goal. Seven minutes into the second half, Osée Iyabivuze extended the lead to 2-0 with a well-placed finish inside the box.

Vision responded by ramping up the pressure. In the 76th minute, Ali Huzaf converted a penalty, narrowing the gap to 2-1 and keeping the pressure on AS Kigali’s defense.

As the match approached its conclusion, the fourth official added four minutes of stoppage time, during which Vision FC had several opportunities to equalize.

In a dramatic turn, AS Kigali’s Jean Bosco Akayezu made a stunning save, resulting in a red card and a second penalty for Vision, again taken by Huzaf. This time, however, Aimée Gael Cuzuzo came up big, saving the shot and preserving AS Kigali’s lead.

The victory marked AS Kigali’s first time at the top of the league since January 28, 2023. They now lead the standings with 13 points, while Police FC trails closely behind with 12 points.

Rayon Sports and Gorilla FC share third and fourth positions, each with 11 points.

RPL

The RPL action will continue over the weekend, despite the national team’s double header against Djibouti in CHAN Qualifiers.

APR defeat Gasogi to claim the first win of 2024/25 league

By
Ground Sports
-
APR
APR Football Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gasogi United in their Matchday 6 encounter of the Rwanda Premier League. The match started on Saturday and wrapped up on Sunday, with Lamine Bah scoring the crucial goal. 

 

Sunday, October 20, at KPS, APR defeated Gasogi 1-0 in a league match that resumed after a 15-minute halt on Saturday due to severe weather conditions.

In Matchday 6 of the Rwanda Premier League, the action was eventful despite weather disruptions.

Initially scheduled for Saturday at Kigali Pelé Stadium, the APR vs. Gasogi match was halted after just 15 minutes due to adverse weather but resumed on Sunday from the 15th minute.

APR’s Mouhamed Lamine Bah netted the only goal of the match just before halftime, marking his first league goal in Rwanda.

Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat to Marines at Umuganda. Ebenezel Niyigena scored twice, with Mubaraka Nizeyimana and Ndombe Vingile adding to the tally for Marines.

For Kiyovu, Olivier Twahirwa and Desire Mugisha found the net.

Musanze and Mukura battled to a 1-1 draw, with Anicet Muhire “Gasongo” putting Musanze ahead. However, Boateng Mensha equalized for Mukura in the dying moments, scoring his third goal in three straight league matches.

At Ngoma, Nicolas Kagaba led Muhazi to a 1-0 victory over Rutsiro, while Amagaju clinched a thrilling 3-2 win against Etincelles. Amagaju took an early lead thanks to captain Masudi Narcisse and Useni Kiza Seraphin, but Etincelles fought back in the second half with Kasapa and Sadjati goals before a late goal from Malanda Destin secured the win.

Rayon Sports continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory over Bugesera, thanks to goals from Senegalese Youssou Diagne and Fall Ngagne.

AS Kigali will lock horns with Vision FC on Monday, October 21 to conclude the Match day 6.

Following this matchday, the league will pause for APR, AS Kigali, Rayon Sports, and Police FC as the national team prepares for a double-header against Djibouti in the CHAN Qualifiers.

Volleyball League: Gisagara smash Kepler in straight sets.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Gisagara
Gisagara VC launched the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a strong win, decisively defeating last season’s runners-up, Kepler, in a 3-0 match.

 

The 2024-25 Volleyball League got underway on Friday, October 18, and continued on Saturday at Petit Stade, and the opening day was not short of surprises.

Gisagara had a season to forget last year, finishing fifth and missing the playoffs. However, they made some good signings to strengthen their squad, allowing them to shock the last season’s playoff finalists to make a statement.

Under the guidance of legend Yakan Guma Laurence, the southern province-based club successfully convinced Ugandan Kathbart Malinga to play for them starting in the regular season. Additionally, the Gisagara district-owned club welcomed back Samuel Niyogisubizo.

Gisagara, led by Malinga, prevailed in straight sets (27-25, 25-22, 25-21), handing Fidel Nyirimana’s formidable team a painful opening day setback.

The other men’s game played saw EAUR beat IPRC Ngoma in four sets (24-26, 25-14, 25-20, and 25-17).

In the women’s category, both Ruhango and Police started the new season on a high note, easily defeating Wisdom and EAUR in straight sets.

The league will continue with a second round next weekend, starting with APR vs. Police on Friday.

Gisagara will return to the court on Saturday, October 26, facing EAUR. Kepler and KVC will compete against each other on the same day.

Police Volleyball Club summarizes REG in the 2024/2025 league opening game.  

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Police Volleyball Club
Police Volleyball Club started the 2024/2025 season with a crucial victory.
Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club outperformed REG in a straight-sets match that lasted 1:09:11 to mark a stylish start to the 2024/2025 league.

 

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball League started today, October 18, at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium, with an exciting opening day attended by the Minister of Sports, Mr. Richard Nyirishema.

The first men’s game featured what was expected to be a thrilling clash between Police Volleyball Club and REG, last season’s third and fourth-place teams. However, it turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the Police dominating and winning in straights.

Police Volleyball Club stunned REG in style, even with their first-choice setter Crispin Ntanteteri and new signing from Gambia, Jahara Koita, sitting on bench for the most of the match.

Police, led by second-choice setter Emmanuel Mugisha “Manu,” delivered and proved their depth and strength.

Fred Musoni’s Police Volleyball Club dominated REG with a convincing victory, winning in straight sets: 25-19, 25-14, and 25-11. This game concluded in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 11 seconds.

Before the Police vs. REG clash, RRA welcomed Kepler in the top-flight league and beat them 3-0 in a game that differs significantly from men’s.

Police Volleyball Club
RRA beat Kepler 3-0

Despite the loss, Florien Siborurema’s Kepler played competitively and promised a strong debut season ahead. RRA, under Elie Mutabazi, triumphed with set scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-22 in a closely contested encounter.

The volleyball league continues tomorrow at Petit Stade, with the day’s marquee matchup between Kepler and Gisagara at 5 p.m.

The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19.

By
Ground Sports
-
Rwanda Premier League
The APR versus Gasogi match is one of the most awaited contests of RPL Match Day 6
The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19, with match day 6, the board confirms.

 

The Rwanda Premier League (RPL) board and club representatives met on October 15 and agreed to resume matches despite the national team’s busy schedule.

The national team has been involved in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and the CHAN qualifiers begin in just eight days, which requires significant preparation time.

Given the national team’s tight schedule, which includes away matches, there was uncertainty about how to proceed without frequent postponements.

However, under the leadership of Youssouf Mudaheranwa, the board and clubs decided to continue league matches while allowing players called up to the national team to join five days before the national team fixture.

The league paused on September 30 after match day 5, but APR has only played one match due to their international obligations.

Match day 6 of the Rwanda Premier League will kick off on Saturday, October 19, 3 p.m. with enticing fixtures including Rayon Sports vs. Bugesera and APR vs. Gasogi among the highlights of the weekend.

After match day 6, players selected for the national team will begin preparations for the CHAN Qualifiers match against Djibouti, scheduled between October 25 and 27.

Here’s the full schedule for Match Day 6:

October 19, 3 p.m.

Etincelles vs Amagaju at Umuganda

Muhazi United vs Rutsiro at Ngoma

Musanze vs Mukura VS at Ubworoherane

Rayon Sports vs Bugesera at KPS

7 p.m.  

APR vs Gasogi United at KPS

 

October 20, 3 p.m.

Marines vs Kiyovu at Umuganda

Police vs Gorilla at KPS

 

October 21, 3.p.m

AS Kigali vs Vision at KPS

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