Rwanda Premier League: Rayon Sports close on leaders APR FC

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December 7, 2023

Rayon Sports picked up a crucial three points against tenacious opponents Muhazi United, closing the gap on leaders APR FC to just two points.

Rayon Sports defeated Muhazi United 2-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday night to extend their incredible home winning streak to five games. And the victory brings the Blues to within two points of the league lead.

Kevin Muhire scored a free kick in the 33rd minute to give Mouhamed Wade’s team a half-time advantage. In the second quarter, Ugandan forward Musa Esenu scored a beautiful header off a cross from Arsene Tuyisenge to secure the three points of Rwanda Premier League Matchday 13.

Rayon Sports’ pursuit of APR at the top of the league continue, with a third straight victory, Rayon Sports is one point ahead of the army team with 26 points.

Elsewhere, Muvandimwe, Elie Tatou, Sylla, and Pimpong scored as Mukura VS defeated SC Kiyovu 4-1 at Huye International Stadium on a hectic day in the Rwanda Premier League mid-table. Kiyovu had a goal from Richard Kilongozi.

At Umuganda, Etincelles hammered AS Kigali 4-2, heaping the pressure on interim manager, Shaban Mbarushimana.

The Citizens have only won one of their previous ten games, placing them 15th on the table. They have now gone 7 games without a win.

Muhazi and Etincelles are 11th and 12th with 14 points, respectively. Mukura has moved up to fifth place with 20 points.

Matchday 14 is set for this weekend, starting on Friday.

8-Dec, 3 p.m, Sunrise vs Amagaju at Nyagatare Stadium
8-Dec, 3 p.m, Etoile de l’Est vs Police FC at Ngoma Stadium
8-Dec, 6 p.m, Gorilla FC vs APR FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium
9-Dec, 1.30 p.m, SC Kiyovu vs Etincelles at Kigali Pelé Stadium
9-Dec, 3 p.m, SC Gasogi United vs Mukura VS at Kigali Pelé Stadium
9-Dec, 3 p.m, Musanze FC vs Marines at Ubworoherane Stadium
9-Dec, 3 p.m, Muhazi United vs Bugesera FC at Ngoma Stadium
9-Dec, 6 p.m, AS Kigali vs Rayon Sports at Kigali Pelé Stadium

Rayon Sports beat Bugesera to win back-to-back league matches for the first time this season.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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December 1, 2023

Rayon Sports defeated Bugesera 1-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on December 1st to win a second consecutive league match for the first time this season. Hakim Bugingo scored the lone goal

Hakim Bugingo opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a close-range thunderbolt strike from the left side, giving the blues an edge to coast through the first half.

Bugesera had a chance to tie the game in the final minute of the first half, but Elijah’s effort on the spot-kick felt short. Simon Tamale maintained his composure and moved in the right direction to save the penalty.

Musa Esenu, Joackiam Ojera, Rachid Kalisa, and Arsene Tuyisenge continued to squander chances that would have killed the game in the second half, however, the opponent was unable to challenge, thus it ended 1-0.

For the first time, Rayon Sports have won a second consecutive game in the 2023 Rwanda Premier League Season. The win has moved them into the second position with 23 points, and 2 points behind APR the leaders.

Should Musanze and Police win their respective matches tomorrow, Rayon Sports will be in the fourth spot before hosting Muhazi on December 6 at Kigali Pele Stadium in matchday 13.

Bugesera is still struggling in the relegation zone, and the team’s next match is against Police FC.

This is how Mohamed Wade and Francis Haringingo opted to put up their lineups

Rayon Sports XI: Simon Tamale, Ali Omar Serumogo, Isaac Mitima, Eric Ngendahimana, Hakim Bugingo, Emmanuel Mvuyekure, Rachid Kalisa, Kevin Muhire (C), Joackiam Ojera, and Musa Esenu

Bugesera XI: Patience Niyongira, Christian Mukengere (c), David Byiringiro, Augustin Kaneza, Abdul Singirankabo, Pacifique Dukundane, Gilbert Tuyihimbaze, Ani Elijah, Leonard Gakwaya, Vincent Adams, and Olivier Dushimimana

Photo: Igihe

Mengo City FC suffers yet another defeat in the BetPawa Futsal Super League.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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December 1, 2023

Mengo City FC resumed their losing record against Nansana ASKA FC in the BetPawa Futsal Super League yesterday.

The newly sponsored BetPawa Futsal Super League continues to amaze, with teams doing all possible to earn the per-match locker room prizes designed to inspire players and improve competitiveness.

Nansana ASKA FC did not receive bonuses in the previous matchday, but they made no mistake in defeating Mengo City FC yesterday. The latter enjoyed the most of the ball but failed to convert passes into goals.

ASKA’s Ali Miti Kayongo opened the score charts with the only goal in the 1st half against Mengo City FC.

Mengo City’s Emmanuel Mawa was a formidable opponent, scoring twice for ASKA to make the score 3-0 following the break. With two goals apiece, William Sseguya and Male Antony appeared to give the trailing team hope.

Mengo City FC’s problems, however, were far from done as Hussein Dahir increased ASKA’s advantage and Ali Miti Kayongo scored his second goal of the game to seal a 5–2 victory.

Nansana has gained three points to take seventh place in the BetPawa Futsal Super League standings, leaving Mengo City FC at the bottom.

Actions continues today at the Old Kampala Sports Arena.

Fixtures and Results

Mengo City FC 2-5 Nansana ASAK FC

Lubaga Grameen 4-1 Kisigu FC

Aidenal FC 2-5 Park FC

Two Prominent NVL Players Cross Borders to Play for Rwanda Top Gun REG VC

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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November 27, 2023

REG Volleyball Club, undoubtedly needed to bolster their roster following their dismal showing at the just-completed Zone 5 Club Championships held at Kigali Arena.

The announcement follows REG VC’s elimination from the Zone 5 Club Championships by the recently created club Kepler VC, which barred REG VC from advancing to the semifinals.

Noteworthy is the fact that the departing coach, Pierre Kwizera, did not appear on the bench in any of the Zone 5 games and despite the club’s lack of communication, it appears that they have parted ways. The team was under the responsibility of assistant coach, Jean Luc Mbonyuwontuma.

Even yet, REG is firm as a league title contender after making two audacious acquisitions of Thon Magembo and Angiro Gideon, two of the top players in the Uganda National Volleyball League.

The two new signings now combine forces with Ronald Muvara, Samuel Niyogisubuzo, Sylvestre Ndayisaba, who joined from Gisagara, and Fabrice Iradukunda, who came from Kirehe.

Both Thon and Gideon agreed to a two-year contract with REG VC, Rwanda’s elite volleyball team.

Notably, Thon a receiver attacker and Gideon an outside hitter both competed for Sport-S, Uganda’s finest volleyball team, and both of them showed incredible sport in the Zone 5 club championship. Sport-S finished in second place winning bronze behind champions Police VC.

Because of this competition, the formidable Rwandan REG VC saw the two prospects and made the decision to follow them, leading to the recent additions.

Thon was a vital member of Sport-S, the reigning NVL champions when they faced UCU, which is currently Gideon’s previous team. Previously rivals, currently allies.

Special Olympics Rwanda, Lions Club Kigali, and the Rwanda Diabetes Association team up to screen 150 people for diabetes, including athletes.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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November 26, 2023

In tandem with Special Olympics Rwanda and the Rwanda Diabetes Association, the Lions Club Kigali Doyen set up a diabetes screening session for 50 people with intellectual disabilities, 50 family members, and 50 Special Olympics staff as well as volunteers

On November 25, a diabetes screening session was carried out effectively by the joint effort of a non-governmental organization with a wide range of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children with intellectual disabilities, and a network of volunteers who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities. An activity that directly involved the Rwanda Diabetes Association considering they are the only ones who can follow up on positive cases.

The campaign aligns with the mobilization period to raise diabetes awareness, which has been observed internationally on November 14th since 1991.

Lions Club Kigali President, Mr. Jules Ngoga, said that this event was held to commemorate the International Diabetes Day.

He said, “World Diabetes Day was commemorated on September 14th. In this regard, we joined forces with 70 of our Ugandan colleagues to test children with intellectual disabilities and their families. The most crucial aspect, however, is that they will be diagnosed and monitored by Rwanda Diabetes Association”

The aim of this screening is to raise awareness of the harmful effects and extent of diabetes, preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, normal weight and avoiding tobacco consumption, as well as the discipline that comes with being screened for diabetes.

Screening was carried out on children above the age of eight.

The collaboration between those entities is crucial, given that diabetes is one of the Lions Club‘s global priority causes, alongside sight, the fight against hunger, childhood cancer, environmental protection and youth, while the Rwandan Diabetics Association aims to improve the living conditions of diabetics in Rwanda and to defend the cause of diabetics.

Special Olympics Rwanda, on the other hand, aspires for inclusive health for people with intellectual disabilities and will benefit from the screening since all beneficiaries are athletes, their families, and other sports personnel from SOR community.

Mrs Shilla Ndegeya is the National Director of Special Olympics Rwanda. She told the reporters that the exercise was done to help parents learn about their own and their children’s health.

She said; “We normally conduct the screening on a yearly basis, but this year we were fortunate to have additional partners, Lions Club Kigali and Rwanda Diabetes Association. Even though we already had a network with the Lions Club International as they finance some of our projects linked to educating parents of children with intellectual disabilities.”

“This is our first diabetes screening, and it’s very special since the parents who bring their children will get tested as well. The Rwanda Diabetes Association will notify us on the results and then assist us in following up with people who are found to be diabetic.” Mrs Ndegeya added

The screening will undoubtedly benefit several Special Olympics Rwanda athletes. Especially those planning for the Regional and Provincial Games in January 2024

Rwanda : The Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz clinched the 2023 Jr NBA League titles

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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November 26, 2023

Lycée de Kigali and GS Marie Reine, wearing their respective NBA franchise branded jerseys, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz respectively, claimed the 2023 Jr. NBA league trophies

KIGALI, November 25 – The Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, a Basketball indoor facility built in the joint effort of NBA Africa and the Rwanda Basketball Federation, hosted the 2023 Jr. NBA league playoffs finals to wrap up the two-month season.

In an exciting and intriguing Basketball showcase, the teams from East and West conferences fought for their pride and medals in this OCP-sponsored Basketball league.

However, while all leagues are about competition, this one also aims to develop the kids at the grassroots level, improve their fundamental skills while working with the coaches and provide them with tools to help them when they return to the schools and impart the kids in a better way.

During the 2022 Jr. NBA Bye Bye Vacance clinic Basketball camp held at Rwamagana, Mr Joël Ayoba Basketball Development camps liaison at NBA Africa, stated that they train the kids, instruct the coaches before taking the floor for the championship, then make sure that all the coaches have the package that will help them do the job at their respective schools.

As a result, the country’s well-known grassroots and talent developers were leading their teams to the playoff finals. Rene Sahabu and Henriette Uwimpuhwe guided the Utah Jazz of GS Marie Reine to the championship, defeating Didier Shema’s Dallas Mavericks of ESB Kamonyi.

Lycée de Kigali’s Cleveland cavaliers, led by Albert Buhake and Jimmy Gihana, beat the Lakers of Petit Séminaire St Aloys, coached by Saidi Maulidi Hakizimfura.

In the finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers of the Eastern Conference defeated the Los Angeles Lakers of the Western Conference 60-30 in front of Franck Traore, Head of Basketball Operations of NBA Africa, and Ian Cruz Kabutura was named MVP

Emeline Mahoro Iragena’s effort in the finals not only helped the Utah Jazz win the girls’ championship but also earned her the Most Valuable Player accolade. The Jazz of Marie Reine won the championship game 69-51 over the Mavs of Kamonyi.

According to FERWABA, the local basketball governing body, the Jr. NBA helps in identifying and developing the potential of young aspiring basketball players around the country.

“The Jr. NBA league contributes to detecting the talents among kids under the age of 15 through school competition, and it motivates youngsters as it is a yearly event.” Said Richard Nyirishema, FERWABA Vice President

He continued “We believe it is a worthy cause, and we will continue working together with Jr. NBA. We also have plans for a U-18 competition to provide continuity among our youngsters in various categories and to ensure that they constantly play.”

“It’s truly appreciated that the Junior NBA league supports both boys and girls.” Declared FERWABA VP

The Jr. NBA programs feature 30 boys and 30 girls school teams competing for their respective leagues’ championships. Each school team represent one of the 30 NBA teams in each league and receives corresponding NBA team-branded jerseys for their games.

However, there were 54 teams taking part in the 2023 edition, including 24 girls’ teams. It got started on October 21 with kids under the age of 15 from 43 secondary schools, and each school was permitted to field two teams, one for girls and one for boys.

The program strives to instil key values such as collaboration, respect, and humility in boys and girls in order to foster a lifelong appreciation for the game of basketball.

The Jr. NBA presently runs in 170 countries throughout the world. In Rwanda, the league was launched in 2018, however, it was previously held in 2019 owing to the COVID outbreak and its aftermath.

The BetPawa Futsal League: A New Era for Futsal in Uganda.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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November 23, 2023

With the opening of the BetPawa Futsal League at the Old Kampala Sports Arena, Ugandans brought a new chapter to the rapidly expanding sport of futsal.

A promising future for the sport is underway as the league welcomed funds close to 130 Million UGX at the launch of the BetPawa Futsal League. The Futsal family, BetPawa representatives, and media representatives all embraced the event, which was a huge success.

The Old Kampala Sports Arena’s owners benefited from the agreement just as much as the Futsal League did. In addition to renovating the sports arena, BetPawa the new league sponsor covers the whole season’s venue costs.

“At BetPawa we believe in powering teams and footballers, and as FUFA’s official football [partner in Uganda, we want to support FUFA in growing this sport, especially through futsal which is an excellent training ground for local talent in football. That is why we partner with the Futsal Association Of Uganda,” stated Country Marketing Manager Ivy Nyonyozi

The players should be the main winners by far since the 150,000 UGX per player locker room incentives for the winning squad are a tremendous boost to their professional careers as well as financially.

The fact that all 12 of the BetPawa Futsal League’s teams have playing jerseys provided by the new sponsor relieves a significant burden off of the clubs as well.

The new season kicks off on Thursday 23rd September with games played every Thursday and Friday night

Matchweek 1 Fixtures and Results

Thursday 23rd November 2023
Aidenal FC 3 – 5 Edgars Youth Programme
Futsal Club Of Luzira 3 – 2 Kabowa Dream Team FC
Kampala Junior Team FC 6 – 1 Kawempe FC

Friday 24th November 2023
Kisenyi FC VS Kisugu FC – 19.00
Lubaga Grameen VS Mengo City FC – 20.00
Nansana Aska FC VS Park FC – 21.00

Rwanda upset South Africa to take the lead in African World Cup Qualification Group C

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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November 22, 2023

Rwanda pulled off a shock 2-0 win over South Africa in their second match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at Huye Stadium, taking a commanding lead in Group C.

HUYE, November 21, Rwanda capitalised on poor defending to earn a 2-0 win against South Africa, breaking a 31-month win drought in any international competition match.

Amavubi got off to a shaky start, but in the 12th minute, Innocent Nshuti fought off a defender and slotted into the back of the net to break the deadlock. And, 28 minutes after the kickoff, Gilbert Mugisha seized on a Bafana Bafana defensive blunder in the penalty area to double the lead.

Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana sought to speed up the game and create some offensive possibilities in the second half, however Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi stayed solid in front of Fiacre Ntwali to deny the opponent any opportunity to come back into the game.

Hence, a 2-0 triumph at full time sends the Huye stadium into ecstasy, as the Amavubi had never won a recognized FIFA international game at this venue before.

The win also put an end to the long run of winless games as Rwanda’s men’s National football team had not won an official match since March 2021 against Mozambique in the 2022 AFCON Qualifiers (1-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium)

The victory saw Rwanda move top of the Group C with four points, South Africa is second with three, Nigeria is third with two, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are fourth and fifth with two, and Benin at the bottom of the table with one point.

Torsten Frank Spittler’s team will hold the Group lead until June 2024 when the qualifiers resume. Rwanda’s next assignments will take them to Benin and Lesotho before hosting Nigeria in March 2025, undoubtedly at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.

Nine African countries will qualify straight for the 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While a tenth team might make it through the playoffs.

Rwanda starting XI: Fiacre Ntwari, Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Djihad Bizimana, Kevin Muhire, Gilbert Mugisha, Innocent Nshuti and Lague Byiringiro.

Subs: Maxime Wenssens, Gad Muhawenayo, Claude Niyomugabo, Ally Serumogo, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Isaac Mitima, Patrick Sibomana, Hakim Sahabo, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Arthur Gitego, and Bienvenue Mugenzi.

South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, and Mihlali Mayambela.

Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Tapelo Xoki, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Oswin Reagan Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Elias Mokwana, and Zakhele Lepasa.

betPawa becomes title sponsor for Futsal Super League

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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November 17, 2023

KAMPALA, November 17, betPawa, a mobile sports gambling firm, has partnered with Futsal, the country’s booming indoor football game, to become the new Futsal Super League title sponsor

This is in addition to the agreement inked in September with the country’s football governing body, FUFA, which comprises a broader sponsorship of three football properties, including the Futsal competition. The betting company will be the title sponsor under this new sponsorship agreement.

Speaking on behalf of the Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU), the chairman of the association, Mr. Hamza Jjunju, expressed gratitude for having a new partner and revealed that the Women’s league is soon to be established.

“We are celebrating a huge day in the game of Futsal, a day that betPawa takes the naming rights of the Futsal Super League. It will now be called the BetPawa Futsal Super League “ FAU Chairman Hamza Jjunju

“We are pushing our clubs to have women teams as this year we are already in the process of setting up the Futsal Women Super League ” FAU Chairman revealed

According to Uganda’s governing body for football, the deal has the potential to help them to expand the game and make it compulsory from all parts of the nation, particularly in schools, as it enhances the skills and talents.

Mr. Justus Mugisha, The Vice-President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations

“We want to make Futsal a must sport all over Uganda as we want all children in all schools to play this game as it helps our athletes better their skills” said Vice President Justus Mugisha

On the other hand, Ivy Igunduura, Country Marketing Manager at betPawa, stated that the collaboration intends to widen the vision for the growth of Futsal in Uganda. The manager claims that it will be accomplished by assisting in the broadening of the Futsal Association of Uganda’s brand identification among the sports personnel and all the beneficiaries of the game

“As Uganda’s official football partner, our partnership with the Federation is focused on creating equal opportunities for both the well established leagues and the nascent ones, hence our being here today to unveil our plans for Futsal,”Igunduura said.

She added “We want to work closely with the Futsal community in Uganda, which includes fans and players, among others, to develop initiatives that promote the growth and development of this game in the country. One of the major positives from our engagement will be a direct benefit to the players through the betpawa Locker Room Bonus.”

With the overall agreement struck in September between betPawa and FUFA, 25% of the UGX 1.18 billion will be applied toward the betPawa Locker Room Bonus.

Every member of the winning side on the match list will get locker room bonuses, with each player earning 150,000 Ugandan Shillings via mobile money immediately after the game. And it is applied to all of the season’s games.

Prior to the league’s kickoff, all 16 teams will receive their kits from betPawa. In addition, the new league sponsor will honour the season’s top performers. Most valuable player of the season, top scorer, top assist provider, best goalkeeper, coach and young player of the season will be awarded by this sports gaming.

Sport-S upset Kepler in thriller match

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

November 15, 2023

sports-S — Sport-S' Thon Makar tries to block his compatriot and Kepler attacker, Galdetbal Mangom

In a thrilling encounter of CAVB Zone V Club Championship matchday 2, Uganda Champions Sport-S claimed a four-set win over Kepler, handing them their second loss of the tournament.

In a thrilling and intensely competitive match, the 2022/2023 Uganda Volleyball League champions showed great resilience and determination, securing a momentous victory against Rwanda’s top tier league new comers, Kepler, in a gripping four-set encounter. (18-25, 27-25, 36-34, 25-22)

This stunning victory not only signified a flying start, but also cleared the path for their progression to the knockout stage, as Kepler lost all of their group stage games.

Despite being drawn in a group of death, Fidel Nyirimana’s Kepler displayed good Volleyball. Having assembled a squad in recent weeks and facing a very strong team in Police and Sport-S in must-win games is not an easy task, but the future appears to be bright.

Benon Mugisha’s Sport-S, on the other hand, will take the court again tomorrow against Police VC for the group seedings

Matchday 2 Results

Women:

- APR WVC 0-3 Police WVC (23-25, 13-25, 21-25)
- KCCA 0-3 Pipeline (19-25, 15-25, 21-25)

Men:

- APR 3-0 Amicale (25-18, 25-14, 31-29)
- Kepler 1-3 Sport-S (25-18, 25-27, 34-36, 22-25)

Rwanda Premier League: Rayon Sports close on leaders APR FC

Rayon Sports beat Bugesera to win back-to-back league matches for the first time this season.

Mengo City FC suffers yet another defeat in the BetPawa Futsal Super League.

Mengo City FC resumed their losing record against Nansana ASKA FC in the BetPawa Futsal Super League yesterday.

Two Prominent NVL Players Cross Borders to Play for Rwanda Top Gun REG VC

REG Volleyball Club, undoubtedly needed to bolster their roster following their dismal showing at the just-completed Zone 5 Club Championships held at Kigali Arena.

Special Olympics Rwanda, Lions Club Kigali, and the Rwanda Diabetes Association team up to screen 150 people for diabetes, including athletes.

In tandem with Special Olympics Rwanda and the Rwanda Diabetes Association, the Lions Club Kigali Doyen set up a diabetes screening session for 50 people with intellectual disabilities, 50 family members, and 50 Special Olympics staff as well as volunteers

Rwanda : The Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz clinched the 2023 Jr NBA League titles

Lycée de Kigali and GS Marie Reine, wearing their respective NBA franchise branded jerseys, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz respectively, claimed the 2023 Jr. NBA league trophies

The BetPawa Futsal League: A New Era for Futsal in Uganda.

With the opening of the BetPawa Futsal League at the Old Kampala Sports Arena, Ugandans brought a new chapter to the rapidly expanding sport of futsal.

Matchweek 1 Fixtures and Results

Rwanda upset South Africa to take the lead in African World Cup Qualification Group C

betPawa becomes title sponsor for Futsal Super League

Sport-S upset Kepler in thriller match

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