Friday, January 10, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 13

UGB spoil Gregory Howard’s 30-point night and upset Inspired Generation.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
UGB spoil Gregory Howard's 30-point night and upset Inspired Generation.
Gregory Howard dribbles past UGB's Yannick Byiringiro | Photo: Yego B

Inspired Generation standout Gregory Howard scored a stunning 30 points on Friday night, but it wasn’t enough to put away the United Basketball Generation 

March 1, United Generation Basketball, UGB routed Inspired Generation at Lycée de Kigali, avenging REG’s setback. UGB defeated them 85-76 to go to 2-1 in the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League.

Despite Inspired Generation star guard Gregory Howard hitting 30 points, the UGB were able to defeat their opponents. Bruno Mugabo was Inspired Generation’s second top scorer, with 18 points, while no one else scored more than 10. UGB did effectively in slowing down the non-Howard players.

In is his second league game, Greg produced another 30-point performance, like he did against Kepler last weekend, when he blasted 35 points on debut.

Former APR and REG BBC point guard Emmanuel Iyakaremye “Nzuru” showcased his scoring prowess once more, leading UGB to a hard-fought victory over league debutant Inspired Generation. He scored 22 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and assisted three times, guiding Yves Murenzi’s team’s offensive attack and propelling them to their second win of the season.

UGB
Emmanuel Iyakaremye led UGB to their second win of the 2024 RBL season, scoring a team-high 22 points.

Amissi Saidi Dany also contributed significantly, with 11 points and four rebounds. Gregory Nathaniel Roy added 11 points and six rebounds, while Shaffi Habineza offered 10 points and seven rebounds.

UGB improved to 2-1 with the win, while Inspired Generation is on a three-game losing run.
UGB’s next match is against the defending champions, APR BBC, on Wednesday, March 6.

RBL: REG BBC overcame Tigers to maintain its winning streak.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
REG BBC overcame Tigers to maintain its winning streak.

Benjamin Mukengerwa showed the way as REG BBC extended their winning streak to three matches by defeating the Tigers. Mukengerwa contributed 15 points, 6 assists, and seven steals in the 76-70 success.

REG BBC triumphed again on Friday night in Stecol, owing to double-digit scores from Bejamin Mukengerwa, Kambuyi Pitchou Manga, Beleck Bell, and Herve Ikishatse.

The game was close for the first three quarters before Charles Mushumba’s team prevailed in the fourth. (24-16, 11-16, 12-15, and 29-23).

Having previously defeated UGB and Inspired Generation, the team continued their winning streak by defeating Tigers, improving to 3-0.

The Congolese big man, Pitchou Manga recorded another double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Herve Ikishatse was also fantastic, scoring 14 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out three balls.

Benjamin Mukengerwa led the team with 15 points, six assists, and seven steals, while Belleck Bell chipped in 10 points.

The Tigers’ Francis Azolibe had a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds off the bench.

Earlier at the same venue, Olivier Turatsinze had 26 points and 8 assists, as Espoir BBC defeated Orion 90-74, handing Orion their second consecutive loss.

Turatsinze, last season’s MVP, had an offensive spectacular performance, going 9-22 FGs, including 3-9 threes. He was also clinical at the foul line, hitting 5 of 6 free throws in the entire 40 minutes played.

It was the first win of the season for the Nyamirambo-based club (1-2), and they will undoubtedly build on it to improve their ratio against Kepler next weekend.

Aside from Turatsinze’s outstanding performance, Eric Muhayumukiza made a tremendous contribution to the victory. He scored 17 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and provided three assists.

The Rwanda Basetball League games continue on Sunday, with Inspired Generation hosting Kepler and Patriots rubbing shoulders with the Titans.

Peace Cup: Rayon Sports outclass Vision FC to ease through

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Peace Cup: Rayon Sports outclass Vision FC to ease through
Rayon Sports celebrate Ndekwe's goal

Rayon Sports advance to the Rwanda Peace Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Vision FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win.

Tuesday, February 20, the blues reached the Peace Cup semifinals after comfortably brushing aside the challenge of Nyamirambo-based Vision FC, with Paul Gomis scoring for the first time in a Rayon Sports jersey.

Rayon Sports, the Peace Cup defending champions, entered the second leg with an advantage of 2 goals, but they did not take it for granted as Julien Mette did not change his lineup substantially.

It took the Blues 12 minutes to turn a comfortable start into the opening goal, with Felix Ndekwe Bavakure, a former Vision FC player, on target to hurt his hometown team.

Felix Ndekwe and Elie Ganijuru put Julien Mette’s side two up early in the first half, with Vision FC struggling to keep up with the pace of top-tier play. However, Jean Claude Harerimana scored for Vision before the halftime, restoring hope for a comeback in the second half.

Rayons slowed their play in the second half until substitute Arsene Tuyisenge drew a penalty in the dying minutes. A golden opportunity for Paul Gomis to score his first goal in Rayon Sports. He makes the score 3-1.

Julien Mette had an easy win despite the fact that his first-choice goalkeeper, Khadime Ndiaye, was injured in the second half. Further medical assessments are pending to determine how serious the injury is.

The 5-1 aggregate victory also keeps the blues firmly on course for the double, they are now second in the league table after a five-game winning streak.

Vision FC’s 2024 Peace Cup journey has come to an end, and the focus has to shift to their 2nd Division league battle, where they are ranked second behind Espoir in Group B. They are among the favorites to advance to the playoffs and compete for a two-promotion place.

Rayon Sports must wait 24 hours to find their semi-final opponent. They will face the winner of Mukura versus Bugesera.

RBL: Kepler downed Titans in home opener.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
RBL: Kepler downed Titans in home opener.
Victor Songa, the captain, guided Kepler to their first-ever RBL win.

Kepler BBC secured a 60-44 victory over the Titans in their home opener, with Victor Songa’s standout performance leading the way. Songa scored 16 points, going 4-for-8 from the three-point line.

KINYINYA, February 18, Kepler took down the Titans in their first home league game of the season, earning their first win in their maiden Rwanda Basketball League.

The game started tight on both ends, but the Keplerians slowly took control of the game, dictating the tempo and closing the first quarter 22-12 courtesy to Victor Songa’s long-range shots, as he scored 10 points on 4 of 7 field-goal attempts, including 2-of-4 three-pointers.

In the second quarter, the team led by Aristide Mugabe on the court, relied on Chad Bowie’s pace to keep the lead, despite the Titans’ new power forward Bolangi Liseko exerting his toughness in the paint. They went into the break with a score of 38-29, with Kepler gaining more points from turnovers.

In this quarter, Kepler scored 18 points from turnovers, compared to the Titans’ 3.

The Titans’ frequent turnovers continue to surface in third quarter, limiting them to only 5 points. Kepler’s Mandy Juruni used the opportunity to alter the squad and rest Chad Bowie.

Heading into the final quarter with an 18-point lead (52-34), Mandy Juruni continued to evaluate his bench’s ability as the season is still fresh.

On the other hand, The Titans’ new big men Elvis Mpeti and Bolangi Liseko were pushing, fighting to close the gap, but it was too late. It ended 60-44

Aside from Victor Songa’s 16-point performance, Chad Bowie Jordan and Chandelier Cyiza Twizeyimana both contributed to the Keplerians’ overwhelming performance. Chad Bowie scored 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Twizeyimana added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Bienvenue Liseko Bolangi’s 14 points and 21 rebounds double-double in his debut was not enough to secure the Titans’ first victory of the season. The former BC Virunga’s physicality will be felt this season, as he grabs the rebounds at ease.

Kepler’s triumph marked the team’s first ever win in Rwanda Basketball League, as the newly promoted club suffered a devastating defeat on the league opener against the defending champions APR.

On the other side, Titans were taking the floor for the first game since they were forfeited against Orion last week for failing to complete the financial obligations.

The RBL continues next weekend, with Kepler taking on Inspired Generation and the Titans facing the Patriots.

Manga Pitchou double-double lifts REG BBC over UGB

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Manga Pitchou
Kambuy Manga Pitchou posted 22 points and 11 rebounds in the REG BBC’s 86-64 victory over the United Basketball Generation, leading the electricians to their second win of 2024 Rwanda Basketball League

KIGALI, February 16, Kambuy Manga Pitchou scored a game-high 22 points in outdueling Amisi Saidi as the Rwanda Energy Group team held off the UGB during the opening game of the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League’s second weekend.

With a 28-point first quarter (28-16), UGB got off to a fast start in the contest. However the second quarter saw a change of momentum, as the electricians led by eleven points at the break. 34-45

UGB struggled to match REG’s pace in the third and fourth quarter (24-16, 17-14), resulting in an 86-64 loss over Charles Mushumba’s REG.

REG’s second win in two games came courtesy of four players scoring in double figures.

Manga Pitchou (22), Olivier Shyaka (20), Prince Muhizi (12), and Beleck Bell (12) combined for 64 points in the game, while Jean Victor Mukama made his debut with a game-high 12 assists.

The defeat is the UGB’s first in the season, despite impressive performances from Amisi Saidi and Aganze Espoir

Amisi Saidi Dany tallied 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, Captain Aganze Espoir Bazihima also scored 16 points, while Shaffi Habineza contributed 7 points and 8 rebounds.

It was a well-timed revenge for REG, since the UGB defeated them in the Legacy competition. an opportunity to lead the league as well.

Orion take on Patriots in other Friday Night Fixture, while Basketball action continues over the weekend.

Police WVC edged APR WVC in a five-set thriller.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Police WVC edged APR WVC in a five-set thriller.
Police's Sharon Malinda blocks APR's Valentine (white) spike

Police WVC won the battle of the unbeatens in the women’s volleyball League on Sunday evening, defeating APR in five sets at Notre Dame des Anges in the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash of the season.

KIGALI, February 11, the freshly established derby in Rwanda’s Women Volleyball highlighted the round 2 of the first phase in the 2024 Rwanda National League season, with the cops taking home the bragging rights.

In its third season, the national police team has already persuaded many that the biggest rivalry in Rwanda Women’s Volleyball League is no longer RRA vs. APR.

Even though the Christian Hatumimana-coached team has not yet won a league title, they have showed spirit and drive to seriously challenge APR in this year’s National League. and to win the title, they had first to beat their bitter rivals.

Against their biggest threats in this season, the game lived up to the hype, especially in the first two sets and the atmosphere turned electric in the fourth set and remained intense through the fifth.

After falling behind 2-1 in sets (25-23, 23-25, 17-25), Police stormed its way back taking the fourth and fifth sets, 20-25 and 11-15, respectively

In the deciding set, it was back and forth up to ten points when Police gained control of the game, scoring four straight points, leaving little opportunity for APR to recover.

Undoubtedly, it was a significant night for volleyball. These clubs will most likely remain at the forefront and they’ll be battling again and again this season as the domestic competition is still fresh, with several tournaments still scheduled.

Earlier, RRA defeated EAUR 3-1, and Ruhango beat IPRC Kigali 3-1 as well

Police maintained its unbeaten streak in the National League and will face RRA in their next game

APR BBC bid for back-to-back RBL titles

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
APR BBC bid for back-to-back RBL titles
APR BBC is aiming for the second consecutive Rwanda Basketball League title and their fifteenth overall since 1995 as the season begins on Friday, February 9, hoping to solidify their era-defining status both locally and internationally

The reigning champions face Mandy Juruni’s Kepler in their opening game at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, looking to build on a stellar pre-season that saw them win the Legacy competition.

The offseason saw several players & coaches move around the league, which could result in interesting storylines to monitor this season. Teams are few sessions into training camp and should have a clearer idea of how successful they will be this season.

Among the notable moves, Kenneth Gasana, Kendal Gray, and Victor Mukama all moved to REG BBC, Francis Azolipe and Patrick Nshizirungu joined Tigers while Aristide Mugabe ended up with Kepler.

William Perry and Frank Kamndoh joined the Patriots while the reigning champs looked overseas.

APR brought in Americans Zion Styles, Adonis Filer, Michael Andre Dixon, and Dario Hunt, while Amissi Said Dany, Chris Omanye, and Gatwang Thuok crossed the border from Uganda to join UGB, Titans, and Tigers respectively.

Charles Mushumba took over in Rwanda Energy Group.

The league’s best teams are packed. APR BBC, REG BBC, and the Patriots are the front-runners for the crown this season. Several other teams, like UGB and Kepler, are barely behind them following excellent off seasons.

Espoir BBC did not make any splashy moves this offseason, but they still have Olivier Turatsinze, last season MVP. Enough to be regarded

With the bulk of the games to be played at Lycée de Kigali, the 2023 playoff finalists begin their season by welcoming league newcomers. APR will be up to Kepler, while REG BBC will rub shoulders with the Inspired Generation.

The stakes are high for the Army side, the most successful team in the Rwanda Basketball League, as the 14-time champions begin the 2024 season with a well-equipped coaching staff, deep squad, and a technical and logistical readiness.

However, the debate persists among basketball devotees. “Does APR BBC have all of the necessary components to defend its league title?”

APR Basketball Club ended their 14-year title curse by sweeping REG BBC in the playoff finals to win the 2023 Rwanda Basketball League.

Under the guidance of Maz Trakh, former Detroit Pistons assistant coach, APR began early preparations by bringing in high-profile players throughout the continent and expanding his backroom staff to further emphasize the club’s lofty aim for the next season.

Ground Sports tried to get hold of a few journalists and analysts who follow basketball in Rwanda on a regular basis to help us share their perspectives on APR’s hegemony and the odds to retain the title.

According to Guillaume Nkomeje, sports media personnel devoted to Basketball for years, APR’s ambitions in their maiden BAL season give them a tremendous opportunity to win a back-to-back league title

“APR, the league’s defending champions, have a group capable to defend their league crown. They overhauled their roster by adding quality foreigner players to the best Rwandan players. and, as the team prepares to compete in the next BAL, they left no stone untouched to be country’s proud flag-bearers” declared Mr. Nkomeje

He added; “With the hiring of new assistant coach [Billy Bayno], their aspirations in BAL are clear, which provides them the great potential to win a back-to-back league title.”

Speaking with Osée Elvis Byiriringo, a writer at IGIHE who avidly follows basketball, He believes that the story will be if APR BBC doesn’t win the league.

Byiringiro said “APR managed to keep all of its best players while signing the elite players from their opponents. In addition, they also attracted competent players from the United States to assemble a formidable roster.”

“Maz Trakh’s continued involvement in the club is significant. He is a brilliant strategist who has demonstrated a high level of competence in reading the game, and he has been provided an opportunity to employ an assistant of high caliber, which guarantees ludicrous league supremacy”

“Five-star APR accept no excuses for players who fail to deliver. And given that the entire group of players are professionals who are solely focused on basketball, they have plenty of time to practice and build team chemistry” he said

We also spoke with Didier Amen Byiringiro, RBA journalist who kept eye on APR’s activities throughout the trades, preparations and friendly matches, and he affirms that no team can match APR’s readiness for the upcoming season.

“APR’s preparations leave their opponents no room to dethrone them. When I look at the roster, coaching staff, team’s ability and ambition, I’m scared to predict that the league might be a one-horse race.” Didier said

He continued “Last season, APR had a solid bunch but lacked an influential leader on the floor. They have now brought in Adonis Filer and Mike Dixon. They also signed frontcourt players to make a well-balanced roster.”

“And given that the general assembly adopted a new quota for foreigners who have been playing in the league for three years, Maz Trakh’s tasks of picking players has been eased. Players like Bush Wamukota are now eligible to play as a national.” Didier told Ground Sports

In short, Guillaume, Elvis, and Didier all agree that APR had a great offseason, and since they are financially sound, they can accomplish a fantastic season and absolutely defend the league title.

APR BBC won the league for the first time in 14 years last season. Maz Trakh stated in an interview with Igihe that they want to win the league title again this year, but with due respect for their opponents.

The team’s quest to defend the title start with Kepler and Inspired Generation in the first and second games, respectively, before traveling to Qatar for a 10-day training camp to hone their preparations for the 2024 BAL season.

Mukura eliminate Addax to set a Peace Cup Quarterfinal against Bugesera FC

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Mukura

Mukura VS draws 0-0 with Addax FC in the second leg of Rwanda Peace Cup Round of 16 to secure the last Quarterfinals berth

On January 30, Mukura VS&L, a Huye district-sponsored club, played a goalless draw against Addax FC to progress to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Rwanda Peace Cup courtesy to a lone goal in the first leg.

Mukura advances based on the results of the first leg, albeit a lackluster contest with few offensive plays at Huye International Stadium.

In the first leg, contested at Masaka, Jean d’amour Kwizera scored the only goal in the final minutes to seal Mukura’s much-needed away victory. and that goal has propelled Yellow and Black team into the quarterfinals.

The quarterfinals’ matchups are all set:

Mukura vs Bugesera

Rayon Sports vs Vision

APR FC vs Gasogi

Gorilla vs Police

The winner of Mukura vs. Bugesera will face either Rayon Sports or Vision in the semi-finals.

The winners of the Peace Cup represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup and Mukura last won it in 2018.

Rayon Sports are the defending Peace Cup champions

Date Set for 2024 RBL D2 Season Tip-Off

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Date Set for 2024 RBL D2 Season Tip-Off

The tip-off date for 2024 Men’s Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) Division 2 games has been set for February 9, with a record of 24 teams in groups format

The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) announced on Tuesday, January 23, that the highly anticipated 2024 Rwanda Basketball League D2 season will begin on Friday, February 9, with a total of 24 teams competing for two promotion slots.

With four groups of six teams, each team will face the other group opponents in home and away games in the regular season, which will be played from throughout the country, unlike the top flight league, which will be solely contested in Kigali.

The entirety of 360 games will be played in the regular season, and the top two teams from each group will be advanced to the playoff games and battled till the final games, where the finalists will be promoted to the top flight league.

Like the previous season, each team is permitted a maximum of two foreigners under the age of 25, with the exception of relegated teams, which may have players whose contracts are still active. And the League adheres to the Federation and the International Basketball Federation laws that regulate the game.

The 2024 season will be the third edition, and for the first time, 24 teams from all provinces will compete. Nyagatare, Greater Virunga, East Africa University Rwanda, Agahozo, Igihozo St Peter, and Keplerians will be participating in their maiden season.

As a reminder, D2 teams are eligible to register for the inaugural Rwanda Cup, which is open to all D1 and D2 clubs as approved by this year’s General Assembly.

The Kigali Titans won the first-ever D2 season in 2022, while the Inspired Generation claimed the previous season’s title.

Below is a list of the teams set to compete in the 2024 season and their respective groups:

Group A: RP-IPRC Musanze, Rebero BB Academy, Azomco BBC, Agahozo, UR Huye, and Nyagatare BBC

Group B: RP-IPRC Huye, ITS Kigali, Greater Virunga, Flame BBC, Kicukiro Buckets, and Black Thunders

Group C: Rusizi BBC, East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR), Wibena BBC, Igihozo St Peter, UR Kigali, and Intare BBC

Group D: RP-IPRC Kigali, Elite BBC, Keplerians, The Hoops, Karongi BBC, and University of Kigali BBC (UOK BBC)

Bruce Melodie and his team invest in UGB

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Bruce Melodie and his team invest in UGB

Rwandan R&B/Afro-Pop star and multiple award-winning Bruce Melodie declared a new era of partnership with a local basketball team, UGB.

Kigali, January 19, at BK Arena, a prominent Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie and his business team confirmed their engagement with UGB, a Rwanda Basketball League team.

The initiative demonstrates Bruce Melodie and his team’s deep dedication to playing an important role in the development of youth via sports and education. And This aligns perfectly with the UGB’s mission, which is to empower youngsters by pairing sports and education.

“Being part of UGB, a team that shares my passion for youth empowerment, is incredibly fulfilling. We’re not just here to invest; we’re here to elevate UGB to competitive excellence and vie for the title this season.” Said Bruce Melodie

On behalf of United Generation Basketball (UGB), Jean Luc Cyusa, the Club President, warmly welcomed the fresh partnership and insisted that the deal will boost the team’s ability to fulfill their competitive goals.

“Bruce Melodie and his team joining the UGB family is a game-changer. Their support and vision are indispensable in achieving our competitive aspirations and advancing Rwanda as a leading sports tourism destination.” UGB President declared

This development comes just a few days after the club confirmed the signings of new players Amissi Said Dany, Emmanuel Iyakaremye, Yannick Byiringiro, Mike Mugalu, Jean Marie Rukerimbere, and Shaffi Habineza.

Bruce’s investment also comes prior to the legacy tournament, a yearly pre-season tournament organized by UGB in honor of the late Aimable Shampiyona and Jean de Dieu Nizeyimana, the club’s co-founder.

Despite not winning a major trophy since its inception in 1998, UGB makes substantial contributions to youth development and has produced numerous players for various national youth teams.

1...121314...84Page 13 of 84

ABOUT US

Your number one spot for East African and African sports Updates.

Contact us: ground-sports@outlook.com

FOLLOW US

© Copyright Ground Sports 2020 - 2024