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REG BBC vs. Patriots – A Friday Night Basketball Thriller

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Clash of unbeatens: REG BBC vs. Patriots - A Friday Night Basketball Thriller
Former rivals turned allies, Olivier Shyaka and Kendal Gray (White), team up as partners to face the Patriots.

In a thrilling Friday night showdown, two unbeaten basketball powerhouses in the Rwanda Basketball League, REG BBC and the Patriots, both with perfect 5-0 records, face off in a heated matchup.

KIGALI, March 15, A highly anticipated match between REG BBC and Patriots in Rwanda Basketball League, both undefeated teams will compete fiercely for victory, derby bragging rights, and the top league standings.

The timing of the fixture is ideal as both teams have competed in at least five games, allowing recent additions to settle in and foster team chemistry.

Having convincingly defeated Tigers, Orion, Titans, Kepler, and Espoir in their first five games, Henry Mwinuka’s Patriots are bracing for a tough challenge today against REG BBC. This prompted their scouts to travel to Eastern Europe in search of Serbian Center Nikola Scekic to match REG’s formidable big man, Pitchou Manga, in the paint.

Nikola Scekic, who is expected to make his league debut today, will be paired with Frank Kamndoh, the league’s back-to-back best defender, to minimize REG’s dynamism in the paint.

On the other hand, Charles Mushumba’s REG BBC will rely heavily on their frontcourt trio: Gray Kendal, Olivier Shyaka, and Pitchou Manga. Notably, Pitchou Manga has delivered four consecutive double-double performances in his last four outings.

As both REG and Patriots stand at 5-0, the team that emerges victorious not only secures derby bragging rights but also keep their winning streak running.

Last season, Adonis Filer’s buzzer-beating shot against Patriots secured a dramatic win for REG BBC, elevating them to the league’s summit. His clutch play also influenced playoff seeding, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.

Before the highly anticipated matchup at 8 p.m., the defending champions APR will first meet Titans at 6 p.m. at the same venue, LDK.

APR BBC broke REG and Patriots’ stronghold on the league by winning the 2023 RBL title. REG and Patriots have been dominant forces in the league since 2016.

APR extends unbeaten streak with a 106-70 victory over Tigers.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR extends unbeaten streak with a 106-70 victory over Tigers.
APR's Ntore Habimana (Black) was among the five players who achieved double-digit scoring against the Tigers on March 13th at the LDK Gymnasium.

APR overpowered the Tigers 106-70, continuing their unbeaten streak to five games in the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League and maintaining an overall winning streak of 14 games. Five players recorded double-digit scores in the match.

On March 13th at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, the APR Basketball Club achieved a decisive win over the Tigers with a final score of 106-70. This victory extended their unbeaten streak to five consecutive games in the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League and stretched their overall undefeated run to 14 games. The last time APR faced defeat was on August 11, 2023 against the Patriots at LDK Gymnasium.

Adonis Filer (22), Michael Dixon Jr (21), Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (17), William Robeyns (15), and Ntore Habimana (10) all achieved double-digit scores, fueling the army team’s victory in their fifth consecutive win of the season.

Despite being on the losing side, Fiston Irutingabo showed great determination to prove his worth to his former club, showcasing his skills by scoring 22 points in 29 minutes, making 8 out of 12 field goals.

Fiston Irutingabo portrayed a high level of determination against his former club. | Photo: Ferwaba

Meanwhile, Francis Azolibe excelled in defense, securing an impressive 21 rebounds, including 18 defensive rebounds. Additionally, the Nigerian center contributed 11 points to his team’s efforts.

Having not lost a single game since August 2023, Coach Track’s leadership extends beyond the boundaries of the Rwanda Basketball League, as APR harbors great ambitions in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). With the BAL representing the pinnacle of basketball competition on the continent, APR aims to make their mark on the international stage.

Their journey in the Sahara Conference of the BAL entails a serious challenge that is certain to shape the season’s outcome.

The Rwanda Basketball League heats up on Friday as archrivals face off. The Patriots will play REG, while APR will face the Titans

Angola to Host 2025 AfroBasket Finals

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Angola to Host 2025 AfroBasket Finals
Angola's modern sports facility, Kilamba. One of the host venues for the 2025 AfroBasket

Angola won the right to host the 31st edition of FIBA AfroBasket’s final phase scheduled in August of next year. Angola was vying with Morocco and Egypt to host Africa’s top senior men’s basketball tournament.

Having successfully hosted the 2023 FIBA AfroCan, Angola was granted the rights to host the 2025 men’s AfroBasket, beating out Morocco and Egypt.

Angola, one of African countries with numerous sophisticated basketball facilities, will host a 16-country showcase to decide Tunisia’s successor in the next four years. And, unlike the previous edition held in Rwanda, Angola wants to stage the basketball extravaganza in various cities.

Huíla and Benguela cities can host the preliminary phase of 31st African Cup of Nations, AfroBasket in 2025, as they did in 2007.

Prior to the final tournament, The qualifiers to decide the 16 teams for next year’s main competition are underway.

The 20 teams are split into five groups of four teams each. Each team will play each opponent in its group twice in a tournament format over three windows: 19-27 February 2024, 18-26 November 2024, and 17-25 February 2025.

After the qualifiers, three top teams from each group, together with the host country Angola, will compete in the 2025 AfroBasket final phase.

Angola belongs to group E, along with Tunisia, Kenya, and Guinea, and all members of this group are likely to make it to Luanda.

Angola has previously hosted the competition three times, in 1989, 1999, and 2007, with the Parancas Negras winning all three. The 11-time winners and record holders will vie for the title, they last won in Abidjan in 2013.

RBL: APR won, and REG extended their winning streak.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
RBL: APR won, and REG extended their winning streak.
Adonis Filer (white) during the first leg of the 2024 RBL matchup between APR and UGB at LDK. | Photo: Innocent Shema

APR BBC handled UGB in return from a 10-day training camp in Doha, while Pitchou Manga kept REG BBC’s winning streak intact in Rwanda Basketball League

Kigali, March 6, APR Basketball Club showcased overwhelming depth in a decisive win over United Generation Basketball, 84-62, handing them their second loss of the season. Pitchou Manga, on the other side, had a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, propelling REG BBC extend their winning streak to five games.

Maz Trakh’s APR started the game a little sluggish, with numerous turnovers, limiting their scoring prowess.

APR made 12 of 36 field goals, including 2 of 16 behind-the-arc shots in the first half, but they still had an edge over a short-handed UGB, which was missing injured Amissi Saidi and Jean Marie Rukerimbere. They went into break with a 9-point lead (17-15, 21-14).

After the break, Adonis Filer, who had only 5 points in the first two quarters, assumed command of the APR offense. He scored 19 points in the second half to lead the defending champions to a well-deserved win over UGB. The scores in the third and fourth quarters were 24-16 and 22-17, respectively, and the game ended with an 84-62 score.

Aside from Filer’s 24 points, Dario Hunt, center, scored 16 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and made 3 blocks. Chris Ruta had a game-high 6 blocks.

UGB’s Espoir Aganze Bazihima and Gregory Nathaniel Roy combined to score 32 points. Captain Espoir led the squad with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Nathaniel provided 14 points, twelve rebounds, and four assists.

Prior to APR vs UGB, REG BBC crushed Titans 85-47 at the same venue, LDK, owing to a double-double by Manga Pitchou. His fourth consecutive double-double in the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League.

Pitchou had an outstanding performance with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 5 blocks with no turnover in 25 minutes spent on the court.

REG, under the guidance of Charles Mushumba, tops the table with ten points (5-0). APR is now 3-0, while Titans continue to suffer with a four-game losing record, including a forfeit.

APR’s next assignment is against Orion, while REG BBC will face their archrivals, the Patriots.

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
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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

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