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UPL 2023/2024 Season Fixture Released

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
UPL
The Uganda Premier League, UPL administration has released the schedule for the 2023/24 season.

On Matchday 1, Vipers SC will face Gaddafi FC away from home, while KCCA will host Express, with both games perhaps postponed due to CAF Inter-club competitions.

In contrast to past seasons, the UPL administration has announced entire season schedules for both the first and second rounds this time.

Download Full Fixtures Here UPL_Season Fixtures_2023-24-3

In the first broadcast game of the 2023/2024 season, Sports Club Villa, a record 16-time champion, will welcome Kitara back to the top-flight soccer on Friday, September 15, at Wankulukuku.

Match Day 1 fixtures

Friday 15th September

SC Villa vs Kitara – Wankulukuku, 4 PM

Mbarara City vs NEC – Bombo, 2 PM

Soltilo Bright Stars vs BUL FC – Kavumba, 4 PM

UPDF FC vs URA FC – Bombo, 4 PM

Sunday 17th September

Arua Hill vs Busoga United – Kavumba, 2 PM

Wakiso Giants vs Maroons – Wakiso – 4 PM

Lady Volleyball Cranes Will Face a Challenge in Kenya’s Malkia Strikers.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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The Lady Volleyball Cranes
Photo Credit: Lui Meme
The Lady Volleyball Cranes of Uganda Volleyball have so far won two matches at the current CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The second victory came as a surprise against a harder opponent in Morocco. The Lady Volleyball Cranes celebrated a great victory in the tiebreaker match. Morocco 3 Uganda 2. (25-15, 26-28, 17-25, 25-16, 15-11)

Earlier on, Uganda beat Lesotho in straight sets to gain confidence, which likely set the tone for match 2 versus Morocco.

Uganda, on the other hand, will now compete in the East African rivalry against Kenya’s Malkia Strikers. Kenya, like Uganda, has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with two wins. The derby happens today at 1 PM.

The stakes are high for Uganda today as they play nine-time African champions and neighbours Kenya.

Lady Volleyball Cranes
Lady Volleyball Cranes Head Coach Tony Lakony | Photo Credit: Lui Meme

Despite the difficult opponent, head coach Tony Lakony is optimistic about the Lady Volleyball Cranes’ chances.

Group B
Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and Lesotho.

Group A
Cameroon, Nigeria, Burundi, Mali, Algeria, and Egypt

In other games of matchday 2

Mali 0-3 Egypt
Lesotho 0-3 Rwanda
Burkina Faso 0-3 Kenya
Burundi 0-3 Algeria
Cameroon 3-0 Nigeria

 

The Stage is set for 2023 BetPawa Playoffs, featuring several novelties.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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BetPawa
Ferwaba and BetPawa reemphasized a steady collaboration ahead of the playoffs. Ntoudi Mouyelo, managing director of Mchezo, is in the middle position, with Richard Nyirishema, FERWABA V.P, on his left, and Mr. Jean Luc Cyusa on the opposite side.
The stage is set for an intense playoff battle when the 2023 BetPawa playoffs tip off on August 23, equipped with new locker room bonuses to keep up the stakes of one of the league’s most exciting regular seasons.

Prior to the postseason games, the Rwanda Basketball League is strengthened with a new partner, seizing the name rights and investing directly in the athletes and other beneficiaries of the game.

Two months ago, The Rwanda Basketball Federation announced a three-year postseason sponsorship deal with BetPawa as the Rwanda Basketball Leagues’ headline sponsor, covering the 3*3 games as well.

According to Ntoudi Mouyelo, the managing director of Mchezo, a company that owns betPawa, he is eager to reiterate their commitment to investing in sports in Rwanda and ensuring that the athletes are giving their all on the court.

But, first and foremost, why Basketball?

“Basketball may not be far off as the sport with the largest number of fans in Rwanda right now. But Basketball is one of Rwanda’s fastest-growing sports. And we believe the federation is one of, if not the, most effective organized sports federation in Rwanda.” Declared Mr Ntoudi Mouyelo

He continued; “Our plan is to recognize a good competition in Rwanda, our plan is to give more to those who are making the story. So, we decided it in the agreement with the Federation to put in place a few initiatives that we believe will take the league to the next level”

“The first initiative is to provide more to the players; for instance, if a team wins a game, they will receive a special bonus, and the key for us is to ensure that the players receive  bonuses while they are still sweating. it is known as the locker room bonus.” Said the managing director

The prevailing team will get locker room incentives, with each player receiving 50,000 Rwandan Francs via mobile money immediately upon the game’s completion.

Everyone will gain from this collaboration , not just the athletes. Those who attend the games will have a chance to win a significant prize in the end. The great incentive for supporters will be an opportunity to watch whatever game they want, anytime they want, anywhere they want, but on the condition that they first come and support their local club.

The Rwanda Basketball Federation’s Vice President, Richard Nyirishema, is commended for announcing that this season’s playoffs would begin with a fresh look, logo, and name as an outcome of the federation’s successful engagement with their new partner BetPawa.

“We are launching off this year’s postseason with an all-new logo and brand as a result of our effective partnership with BetPawa.”

“This year’s regular season was noteworthy owing to the manner in the teams in all categories have upped the level, we doubt that the endurance will be the same in these playoffs, in addition to the novelties provided by the partner.”

On the court, four top teams in each category –Men and Women –will face off to determine the champion of 2023.

The action begins in the semifinals, where the top four teams from both the men’s and women’s categories compete in best of five series, with the team that wins three games first advancing to the finals, which will be contested in best-of-seven series.

The Rwanda Energy Group teams will be out to defend their Rwanda Basketball League crowns as the playoffs get underway. In the best-of-5 Series, the reigning champions will take on Espoir BBC and IPRC Huye in men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Individual awards for the outstanding regular season performers will be acknowledged by the Federation, while BetPawa will honour the best postseason players, as stated by Mr Nyirishema.

The league champion is determined via the playoffs. The champion in the men’s category will be the flag-bearer in 2024 BAL, while the champion in the women’s category represents Rwanda in the Zone V competition.

Here are the matchups in the playoffs – Quarterfinals

Women

REG Women BBC vs RP-IPRC Huye

APR WBBC vs The Hoops Rwanda 

Men

Patriots vs APR BBC

REG BBC vs Espoir BBC

The first games are set for Wednesday, August 23, with the men’s games taking place at BK Arena and the women’s at LDK Gymnasium.

The Lady Volleyball Cranes Team Made a Strong Serve-off to The Africa Championship.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
The Lady Volleyball Cranes
The Volleyball CranesUganda, making its first appearance at the continental championship since 2019, defeated Lesotho in straight sets to start off Group B.

At the Nfandena facility in Yaounde, the Volleyball Cranes settled in quickly and won the first set 25-10, the second set 25-05, and finished the match with a 25-10 victory in the third set.

The victory boosted the Lady Volleyball Cranes‘ confidence after a long absence from competitive volleyball, and head coach Tonny Lakony was pleased with the team’s outstanding performance.

“Winning our first group stage game is a big step forward. The opponent did not appear as predicted, maybe due to the degree of pressure we applied on them,” stated the head coach.

In Group B, Uganda is grouped alongside Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and Lesotho. Cameroon, Nigeria, Burundi, Mali, Algeria, and Egypt are in Group A and The top two teams from the six-team groups will advance to the semifinals.

In other games of matchday 1

Morocco 3-0 Burkina Faso
Nigeria 3-0 Mali
Kenya 3-0 Rwanda
Cameroon 3-0 Algeria

Uganda will face a more dominant Morocco side today at 4 PM.

 

 

Rayon Sports drew Al Merrikh SC in a friendly.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Rayon Sports and Al Merrikh played out a goalless draw | Photo: Rayon Sports
Rayon Sports wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against Sudanese side AL Merrikh on Tuesday afternoon.

In an average dispute marked by squad rotation on both sides, Rayon Sports and AL Merrikh shared spoils in a goalless draw match contested at Skol Training Center in Nzove.

Three days after smashing their rivals APR FC in the Super Cup, the Blues concluded the pre-season friendly matches on a sour note with another draw, making it four pre-season games with no victory.

A 2-2 draw against Burundians Vital’O, a 1-1 draw against Rwanda Premier League side Gorilla FC, a 0-1 loss against Kenyan Police, and now a goalless draw against Sudanese Al Merrikh reveals a relatively low yield, However, no fan will ever remember it considering they beat their archrivals in what really matters.

A draw to Al Merrikh marked the end of Gikundiro’s preseason campaign, and now it’s time to get down to business. Yamen Zelfani brings his side to Gasogi on Friday, as the blues face KNC’s team at Kigali Pelé Stadium in what will likely be an explosive opening challenge for both teams.

Al Merrikh carried out their pre-season tour in Rwanda and are set to remain there owing to security concerns in their home country. As a result, they were granted permission to host the CAF Champions League matches in the country of a thousand hills.

On August 25, Al Merrikh will host Otôho d’Oyo at Huye International Stadium.

Giants of Africa Unveiled Two Basketball Courts in Rwamagana

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Giants of Africa
On August 13, Giants of Africa, an entity entirely devoted to enhancing the lives of African youth through basketball, and its co-founder Masai Ujiri, unveiled two modern Basketball courts at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana district.

Giants of Africa, the Ministry of Sports, sponsors, and donors gathered together on the occasion of GOA’s 20th-anniversary festivities, which are currently taking place in Rwanda, to formally cut the ribbon and open the first basketball courts constructed by Giants of Africa in Rwanda but outside the Kigali City.

For more than two decades, Masai Ujiri’s GOA has been contributing not only to building courts but also inspiring the youth to dream big. Ange Vanessa Tumusiime, a senior 4 student at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, was initially sceptical since she has short-sightedness in her eyes. However, through basketball, she is very optimistic, and aims high both on and off the court.

Ange Vanessa Tumusiime

“Growing up, most people doubted my ability to perform tasks and do anything. I joined basketball and told myself that no matter what people say about my eyes, my abilities, I was going to do what’s right for me.” Said Tumusiime

She added; “Basketball to me has been a place where my strengths and abilities are reaffirmed, where despite having eye issues, people believe in me and see me beyond any vulnerability both on the court and off the court. I was able to prove myself to people that surrounded me the power of belief and the pursuit of a passion. And, I dare to dream of representing my country on the national team and beyond.”

On the side of sponsors, Sarah Feinstein expressed her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the vision a reality.

Sarah Feinstein

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in bringing this vision to life, from the founders and staff at ASYV to Masai, Melanie, the entire Giants of Africa team, and the dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make these courts a reality. And may these courts resound with laughter, determination and share dreams of all who find their way here.”

Speaking to Masai Ujiri, The President of Toronto Raptors and Co-founder of GOA, He expressed his delight at what they had accomplished in 20 years but said that for him, the following 20 years will be a challenge rather than a celebration.

Masai Ujiri, Co-founder of GOA

He said; “This makes all of us happy. If I imagine what the last 20 years have been, I’m inspired to see what the next 20 is going to be. It’s going to be incredible.”

“I’m looking forward to the next 20 years. You know, like I don’t want to celebrate much but I understand, you know like what the significance is.”

The Rwandan government was represented by Madam Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Minister of Sports, who truly praised the GOA’s commitment to offering a platform for young aspiring players to become giants through their devotion.

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju

“We are celebrating the achievement that will shape the future of our youth. This court symbolizes more than just a place to play basketball. it represents a space of inspiration, where talents are groomed into the fulfilment of dreams. Our gratitude is extended to Giants of Africa, who, through their dedication, have provided a platform for our young athletes to dream and become giants.” Said Minister Munyangaju

Giants of Africa has built a total of 28 courts in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Senegal as part of the ‘Built Within’ initiative, a multi-year commitment to build 100 basketball courts across the continent. Another court will be launched this week in Kimisagara, Kigali City.

PHOTOS: Cyril NDEGEYA

Bbaale and Ojera on target as Rayon Sports thrash APR FC to lift the Super Cup

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Bbale
The blues celebrating the first goal | Photo: FERWAFA
Rayon Sports demolished APR FC 3-0 to claim the 2023 Super Cup. Ugandan Forwards Joachiam Ojera and Charles Bbale, as well as the new recruit Rachid Kalisa, were on target.

On Saturday, August 12, the 2023 Rwanda’s Super Cup match between league champions APR FC and peace cup winners Rayon Sports took place in front of a crowded Kigali Pelé Stadium. Rayon Sports prevailed

Heritier Luvumbu’s free-kick was brilliantly dealt with by Charles Bbale, who headed it into the back of the net to give the Blues an early lead in the sixth minute.

Both sides played poorly till the end of the first half.

Yamen Zelfani, Rayon Sports’ new head coach, made some changes in the second half, with Didier Mucyo replacing Ally Serumogo at the right back, Emmanuel Mvuyekure and Hadji Iraguha replacing Roger Kanamugire and Youssef Rharb, respectively, in midfield.

They began to deploy counterattacks from that point on, giving them the opportunity to score two goals in the in last minutes of the match.

Former URA winger Joachiam Ojera was fouled twice in the box, and referee Samuel Uwikunda didn’t hesitate to call them. Rachid Kalisa converted the first one with ease, and Ojera scored the second one to make it 3-0.

It is a game that attracted a large number of supporters at KPS, owing to the teams’ new signings.

The Super Cup marks the beginning of a football season and is usually held a week prior to the league

The Rwanda Premier League kickoffs are next week.

Arua Hill And Busoga Will Feature In The 2023/2024 UPL Fixture

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
Arua Hill Sports Club
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) granted pardons to Arua Hill SC and Busoga United FC and instructed the Uganda Premier League administration to include the two teams in the 2023/24 schedule.

After failing to meet the minimal conditions for a club license, FUFA ordered the UPL to remove the two clubs from next season’s schedules.

Arua Hill was unable to show that the club’s CEO is a signatory of the club account, and Busoga United was unable to show that they had a physical office address, a qualified assistant coach, or audited financial statements.

Arua Hill also failed to show that the players’ and coaches’ salaries were paid every three months.

The Arua Hill and Busoga CEOs received separate letters from the FUFA Club Licensing Committee (First Instance Body), dated August 11, 2023, informing them of the pardon.

“The FUFA club licensing committee has set aside the decision of the FIB and pardoned Busoga United on condition that the management and administration of the club undergo mentorship programs organized by FUFA at the cost of the club,” the statement reads.

Patriots defeat APR 87-74, with six players scoring in double digits.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Patriots
Patriots' Dixon (black) trying to get pass APR's Holland
Michael Andre Dixon was on fire in the Patriots’ win against APR BBC on Friday night. Dixon went off for 20 points on 53% shooting and led six Patriots players in double figures.

KIGALI, August 11, The Patriots rout their brand-new city rivals APR BBC in the quest for the top seed position as both teams already secured a playoff berth in the 2023 Rwanda Basketball League season.

Dixon Michael Andre, Jean Victor Mukama, Ater James Majok, Steven Hagumintwari, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba, and Kendall Gray all scored in double digits to give the Patriots the new rivalry bragging rights.

Jean Victor Mukama recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists.

Five APR BBC players—Prince Ibeh, De Marcus Holland, William Robeyns, Ntore Habimana, and Rolly Fula Nganga—also registered double-digit scoring.

  • Check out this link for further details about this game’s statistics.

APR’s aspirations of finishing top in the league’s regular season may have been dashed last night. A top finish was ultimately their goal to ensure that they would face Espoir BBC in what might be considered an easy path to the playoff finals.

However, the Patriots were too dominant in many facets of the game, out-rebounded them 49-32 and shot 35-of-61 field goals compared to APR’s 27-of-76, leaving them with no chance to lead the game for almost the entire game.

Michael Andre Dixon, a Georgian international born in the United States, excelled in this game. In 34 minutes on the floor, the 2022 BAL MVP scored 20 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, provided 5 assists, and stole 6 balls.

Ater James Majok, Dixon’s former US Monastir teammate and Lebanon International, made his league debut in this game, becoming the first NBA draftee to ever compete in the Rwanda Basketball League.

Majok, the 2022 BAL defensive player of the year, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011. He’s in land of Thousand Hills to help the Patriots overcome REG dominance and win the league title they last won in 2020.

Majok (13) made his league debut in a Patriots victory over APR.

Majok’s Patriots must defeat REG BBC on Sunday if they are to complete the regular season in pole position.

The playoffs are slated to tip off on August 18, with best-of-five series in the first round (semi-finals). If the Patriots defeat REG tomorrow as expected, the playoff semi-finals will be Patriots vs. Espoir and APR vs. REG.

The playoffs determine the league champion.

Kiyovu and Mukura share six-goal thriller

By
Evode Munyeshuri
-
Kiyovu
Mukura's Alexis Ngirimana attempting to block Djuma Nizeyimana's shoot | Photo: KIYOVU
10-man Kiyovu held Mukura to a 3-3 draw in a pre-season encounter played at KPS. Muvandimwe and Nkinzingabo scored their first goals for Mukura.

Kigali Pelé Stadium witnessed a six-goal thriller between Rwanda Premier League clubs, which clashed on Thursday afternoon aiming to strengthen the automatism as both sides have a large number of new players in their squads.

Fred Muhozi put Kiyovu ahead three minutes after kickoff with a well-taken freekick, but former Kiyovu forward Fiston Nkinzingabo canceled the lead after seven minutes.

Jean Marie Muvandimwe scored a beautiful freekick in the 23rd minute after Kiyovu’s goalkeeper was sent off for denying a scoring opportunity. Kiyovu has since played with a man less.

Froduard Mugiraneza, a former Marine and now Kiyovu midfielder, leveled the score again 5 minutes later, and both teams headed into the halftime break tied at 2-2.

Mukura’s Afhamia Lofti made 11 substitutions prior to the second half, while Petros Koukouras of Kiyovu opted to make changes 15 minutes after the interval.

22 minutes after the break, Djuma Nizeyimana scored the 3rd goal for Kiyovu, however, Mukura’s Emmanuel didn’t let his celebration endure, making it 3-3 after just 60 seconds. As a result, the game finished in a draw, 3-3.

Following this encounter, Mukura will travel to Ngozi in northern Burundi to face Le Messager as part of their pre-season tour. On Sunday, August 13, Le Messager de Ngozi will host Mukura VS&L at Urukundo Stadium.

Kiyovu, on the other hand, is set to face Sudan’s AL Merrikh on Sunday.

The Rwanda Premier League kickoff is just eight days away, with Kiyovu hosting Muhazi United and Mukura welcoming back Amagaju. Both matches are scheduled for August 20th.

This is how both teams lined up today

SC Kiyovu XI: Emmanuel Kalyowa, Regis Mbonyingabo, Eric Ndizeye, Djibril Mukunzi, Felecien Hakizimana, Olivier Seif Niyonzima ©, Froduard Mugiraneza, Matata Gakuru, Richard Kilongozi, Fred Muhozi, and Djuma Nizeyimana

Mukura VS XI: Nicholas Sebwato, Cedric Kubwimana, Alexis Ngirimana, Soter Kayumba, Jean Marie Muvandimwe, Aimable Ntarindwa, Christopher Bukuru, Zuber Hakizimana, Djuma, Aboubakar Uwiduhaye, and Fiston Nkinzingabo

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