The Nyanza Technical Secondary School volleyball team extended its undefeated streak with a dominating win over Rusumo High School this Saturday, February 25, defeating them 3-1 in Kirehe.
Today, away, they responded from a one-set deficit to beat Rusumo 25-22, 17-25, 26-28, 20-25. With this result, they maintain their position at the top of the standings with 15 points
Nyanza TSS celebrating their fifth win in row
A very promising results for the Butansinda-based club, led by Theoneste Ntakaberaho “Kidiaba” as the head coach
With back-to-back victories over extremely talented teams, Ntakaberaho’s team is on an incredible run of form. They defeated Nyaruguru 3-0, PSVF 3-0, G.S St Joseph 3-1, UR-Busogo 3-1, and now 3-1 against Christopher Serugo coached side, Rusumo HS.
So far in four games, Rusumo has only managed one victory.
Rusumo HS haven’t won at home this season
Nyanza TSS will play St Trinity Ruhango at an undetermined date to complete their six first-leg matches.
Nyanza TSS and Rusumo HS are in Group B alongside Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis Karubanda, Nyaruguru Volleyball Club, Groupe Scolaire Saint Joseph Kabgayi, UR-CAVM, and Ecole Secondaire Ste Trinité Ruhango. The top two teams will advance to playoffs and face the other two teams from group A.
REG was led by clutch shooting from Cleveland Thomas Jr, who scored 26 points, putting in 10 of 18 shots. He grabbed 11 rebounds in 36 minutes spent on the court.
Adonis Filer Jovon added 20 points, including 8/8 FT while the Big Man Pitchou Manga Kambuyi contributed 10 points with 13 rebounds in this crucial win.
On the side of the Patriots, Kenneth Herbert Gasana led the scoring with 19, shooting 5-8 and making 3-5 threes. Former City Oilers, Roebuck Jr Vashon scored 18 points on his league debut.
Small Forward Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba added 15.
Both REG and Patriots finished their first leg matches, with the remaining teams to finish theirs this weekend. On standings, REG (10-1), Patriots (9-2), and APR (9-1) are locked in at 1,2, and 3 respectively.
Prior to beginning their BAL journey, this was REG’s final league contest. The Rwandan flag bearers, under Dean Murray’s direction, are aiming to improve on their unfair placement from last season.
Essomba Willy Onana celebrating the goal with his team mates | Courtesy Photo
Rayon Sports come from a goal down to beat Gasogi United and go top of the table in a Rwanda Premier League meeting. Essomba Onana’s brace sealed the points after an early goal by Hakim Bugingo.
Rayon Sports beat Gasogi United 2-1 in the 20th round matchup at the Bugesera Stadium on February 18, 2023 and moves at the top of the table. Essomba Onana’s brace too good for blues as they keep title ambitions alive
This was a meeting of two sides that couldn’t afford to lose bearing in mind the fine form of second placed SC Kiyovu and APR that can reclaim the first spot if they manage to beat Etincelles FC.
Recent history meant that Gasogi came into this fixture confident. And this time both were ranked third and fourth, sharing the same amount of points. However, Cameroonian forward Willy Essomba Onana was to prove key in the match and scored the two needed goals to take all three points and walk away with Derby bragging rights.
Gasogi’s Hakim Bugingo broke the deadlock in 17th minutes before Onana cancel their lead in the additional minutes of first half. Onana scored again 6 minutes to 90 minutes. A through ball from Eric Ngendahimana
It was Onana’s eighth and ninth goal of the season. 4 goals behind the leader, Shaban Hussein
Gasogi’s own ambitions took a dent even if they claim that the level of officiating in this league is embarrassing. According to the club own and spokesman, Charles Nkuriza, some decisions took by Celestin Nsabimana cost them.
Elsewhere at Muhanga stadium, Kiyovu defeated Marines 3-1 to move closer to the top of the table. SC Kiyovu is one point behind Rayon Sports
Next weekend, Rayon Sports will travel to Rubavu to lock horns with relegation strugglers, Rutsiro
Nshobozwabyosenumukiza was unstoppable against his former club | Photo: Innocent Shema
Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scores 20 points off the bench to help APR Basketball Club claim a 77-75 narrow win over the defending champions, REG BBC.
KIGALI, February 18, Following a loss against Patriots on Saturday, APR BBC gets back into the win column with a 2 point victory over the defending champions.
In an eye-catching matchup of Rwanda Basketball League between two title contenders, APR didnt want to let it go and drop a consecutive game with Ntore Habimana making his long waited debut for Army side.
REG, led by Dean Glacus Murray, had a fully available roster for the game to face a very energetic and athletic team in APR BBC. A reunion for Adonis Filer and Cleveland Thomas who both started together for the first time since the 2022 Championship game contributed more, however it was not good enough
Cliff Owuor’s team controlled the pace of play for the first two quarters to a halftime lead, (19-17, 18-17) But REG BBC made some adjustments in third quarter and entered in last 10 mins period with 2 points led, 55-53.
Owuor’s team fought back in the 4th quarter again and got it done. 77-75, A decent performance and a much needed victory to back in the top league title race
The REG BBC’s dynamic duo of Adonis Filer & Cleveland Thomas combined for 44 PTS and 7 3PM. Adonis led the way with 25 points, 9 rebounds and six assists.
Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza came off the bench to score a team high 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 4 balls. He was playing against his former club
REG BBC will look for a bounce back on Friday night against their arch-rivals Patriots before start off the 2023 BAL journey.
REG, and Patriots stand at 8-1, while APR improves to 7-1
For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link
Forward Raneem Elgedawy leads Egypt’s charge toward a spot in the FIBA Afrobasket 2023 Women’s Championship.
Ebony Hoffman’s South Sudanese team fell to Egypt in the first match of the Zone 5 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers at MTN Arena Lugogo, behind by 15 points. The Egyptians, led by Ehab Elalfy, made no mistake in leading the game after three quarters.
Raneem Elgedawy after playing 23 minutes scored a game-high 23 points. The forward has represented Egypt in several international events, including the FIBA World Championships and the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.
Raneem Elgedawy’s expertise helped her team beat South Sudan, who ramped up the tempo in the fourth quarter to reduce the gap but not enough to win the game.
South Sudan, which is just in its second outing, was led by Adut Bulgak, who recorded a double-double of 16 points and 23 rebounds in Egypt’s 83-68 triumph.
In another game, host Uganda fell to the Kenya Lionesses, the defending FIBA Africa Zone 5 champions, 61-53. Fan support for the Gazelles was not enough to stop George Mayienga’s charges. Mercy Wanyama led the scorecard for Kenya with 15 points.
Photo Credit: FIBA
Games lined up today. Rwanda VS South Sudan – 17:00 EAT.
Egypt VS Uganda – 19:30 EAT.
Rayon Sports beat APR FC for the first time since 2019
Rayon Sports defeats APR FC in an exciting 1-0 victory thanks to Eric Ngendahimana’s goal. A first victory over their bitter rivals in four years
February 12, 2023, Rayon Sports put their recent League woes behind them to end APR FC’s head-to-head dominance in an exciting and heated encounter at Huye Stadium.
Rayon came into the game 4 points behind APR following their worst form, having only won one of their previous six games. However, for derbies or classicos, form doesn’t matter. Things are on a knife point.
The blues have almost all first team players avaliable for selection for the first time this season. Only Raphael Osaluwe and Samuel Ndizeye were not available due to injuries.
In the game, it was an opportunity for APR to extend the lead at the top of the table to four points. Though they blew the title race wide open by suffering their second defeat of the season.
Eric Ngendahimana’s goal was all that separated the two teams on a frantic afternoon at Huye Stadium. The result sees Rayon Sports move up to fourth place and leaves them one point behind APR FC at the top of the league. Ngendahimana’s goal was assisted by Heritier Nzinga Luvumbu in 33 minutes.
It had been 4 years since they have tasted victory against their arch rivals. That’s 7 games, including the Peace Cup games
APR still lead the way at the top of the League with 37 points. AS Kigali, Gasogi, and Rayon Sports follow with 36 points apiece. For more details about fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link
Gikundiro fans were in joyous mood at the end as they celebrated a victory they always relish.
This is how both teams lined up
APR FC XI: Pierre Ishimwe, Omborenga Fitina, Claude Niyomugabo, Prince Buregeya, Clement Niyigena, Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Djabel Manishimwe (c), Ramadhan Niyibizi, Lague Byiringiro, and Yannick Bizimana
Rayon Sports XI: Adolphe Hakizimana, Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru, Junior Didier Mucyo, Abdul Rwatubyaye (c), Isaac Mitima, Eric Ngendahimana, Eric Mbirizi, Onana Léandre, Ojera Joackiam, Heritier Luvumbu, and Musa Esenu.
Steven Hagumintwari drops 20 points to help Patriots won their eighth consecutive game by beating the APR BBC 67-60 on Saturday night. APR’s winning streak come to an end at six games
KIGALI, February 12, under the lights of newly refurbished Basketball indoor facility, Patriots BC sends a statement in title race by defeating one of the championship’s favourite
The Army side led 23-16 after first quarter. However, Henry Mwinuka’s side turned things around and held them to 9 points in second quarter. 23-9
APR tried to cut the deficit in third quarter (16-11) and enter in last 10 minutes with a 2 points difference (48-50) but the Patriots restored the seven points lead to end the game at 67-60
An ugly offensive showing cost the Cliff Owuor’s coached side, as they fell to a direct opponent. It was the APR’s lowest scoring of the season so far. They failed to find any sort of rhythm on the offensive end, shooting just 25-of-70 from field goal including 4-of-23 from behind the arc.
Patriots’ forward Steven Hagumintwari scored a game high 20 points, Dieudonne Ndizeye added 17 points, Kendall Gray 13 points while the captain, Aristide Mugabe scored 10 points off the bench.
On the side of APR, Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in this game, Fula Nganga and Elie Kaje contributed 17 and 12 points respectively
2nd Lt Ian Kagame, Rwandan first son and APR Basketball Player during the warm up before the game
The Patriots are leading after 9 games, with 8-1 win ratio and they are now extending their winning streak to eight games. APR’s unbeaten run has been snapped after six games, they will be looking to bounce back next week when facing the defending champions, REG BBC
A day after innauguration, LDK Gymnasium started to host local Basketball big events | Photo: Newtimes
For more fixtures, results, and standings about Rwanda Basketball League follow this link
Newly renovated indoor facility at Lycée de Kigali
KIGALI – The NBA Africa unveiled renovated Basketball facility at Lycée de Kigali School, Nyarugenge, on Friday, February 10 as part of their positive cooperation with Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA
The ceremony marked a special day for the Rwandan Basketball Ecosystem as they got to enjoy a newly refurbished Basketball indoor court. The facility will help more than 4,000 young people from Kigali and nearby to learn Basketball in great atmosphere
The renovated facility, which includes an indoor basketball court, team locker rooms, washing rooms, medical room, coaching staff facility were unveiled at an opening ceremony that was followed by a basketball contest of Junior NBA U 16 boys and girls.
Hon. Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, The Rwanda’s Minister of Sports opened the new facility with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, inviting the NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams, The Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Gaspard Twagirayezu as well as Mr. Desire Mugwiza, The President of Rwanda Basketball Federation to the podium to speak about the completed project
L-R: Desire Mugwiza, FERWABA PRESIDENT, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, The Minister of Sports, Victor Williams, CEO of NBA Africa, and Dr. Gaspard Twagirayezu, The Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education | Photo: FERWABA
In his welcome remarks, Desire Mugwiza, FERWABA President thanked the stakeholders for working together to make this happen
“We are grateful for the commitment of all partners joined to the journey of developing Basketball in Rwanda. The renovation to upgrade LDK gymnasium is the result of collaborative efforts of NBA Africa, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, the city of Kigali and Rwanda Basketball Federation.” Said Desire Mugwiza
In her words, the sports minister emphasized that the initiative is in line with the sports policy
“It is an initiative that we are quite proud of. In compliance with the sports policy, the ministry of sports must take all reasonable steps to improve the infrastructure in both schools and residential areas. We are pleased they built such a top-notch with the international standards” Said Honorable Munyangaju
Victor Williams, the CEO of NBA Africa, who played a significant role in the building of that Gymnasium, declared that it is another step forward in the growth of basketball in Rwanda, especially in the youth.
He said “The infrastructure is important but more important is the ability to use the infrastructure for programs and activities going forward. so, we look to our partners to create a program that will allow all of young people to use the court in for play as well as for competition.”
He continued “The Jr NBA is the program that the NBA has specifically designed to involve young people in the game of basketball and to teach them the game from an early age to allow them to develop their basketball skills and to grow to learn the game and to fulfil their potential in sports.”
“You see the logos of the junior NBA here are here today, and I want to point out that the logo includes the logo of the NBA which is a world-class men’s professional league as well as the logo of the WNBA the Women’s National Basketball Association which is the best professional basketball league for women. And so today I’m very pleased to see all the young girls and women who are here today, this court is your court as well and you should use it and enjoy it as much as the boys do” –Victor Williams, CEO of NBA Africa
The opening ceremony came hours before the UGB took the court against Orion for the first Rwanda Basketball League game hosted by the facility. It was an honor for UGB to open the court because of their Lycée de Kigali roots (UGB was founded in Lycée de Kigali). They did not take anything for granted as they defeated Orion 66–63.
The 1500-seat facility has been under construction since October 2022 thanks to a collaboration between NBA Africa and Rwanda Basketball Federation. It cost estimably 200 M Rwandan Francs
Jr NBA programs will use the facility to raise the young Africans’ talent
Dr. Sarr guiding the girls in training session [Archive] | Courtesy Photo
The Rwanda women’s National Team keeps up its training in anticipation of the “FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Women Qualifiers” competition, which will take place in Uganda from February 14–19, 2023.
Dr. Cheikh Sarr and his assistant Patrick Habiyambere, have been managing the squad in a residential camp since February 1, 2023. They stay at the Sainte Famille Hotel and practice at the Stecol indoor facility twice a day.
The Rwandan squad seeks to use this Zone V Afrobasket event to ramp up preparations for the FIBA Afrobasket 2023 women’s championship games, which are set to take place in Kigali from July 28th to August 6th, 2023. Rwanda has an automatic ticket as the host country, thus they opted to employ local players throughout the qualifications to gauge their ability.
The Zone V Afrobasket Women’s Qualifiers will be held in Kampala’s Lugogo Indoor Stadium from February 14th to February 19th. In addition to Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, and hosts Uganda will compete in the event.
Rwanda will compete in the FIBA AFROBASKET for the third time, having previously competed in Madagascar in 2009 and Mali in 2011.
The team will leave for Kampala on Sunday, February 12.
Here is the 14-woman training camp roster:
Faustine Mwizerwa, Odille Tetero, Laurence Imanizabayo, Ramla Umunenzero, Rosine Cisse Micomyiza, Martine Umuhoza, Chantal Ramu Kiyobe, Assouma Uwizeye, Jane Dusabe, Jordan Umuhoza, Sandrine Mushikiwabo, Nadine Rutagengwa, Nelly Akariza, and Charlotte Umugwaneza.
Patriots BC beat Espoir 83-61 at Stecol indoor facility
Espoir BBC have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season following Sunday‘s 83-61 defeat at the hands of the Patriots. 48 hours after another defeat against APR BBC.
After getting blown out by APR BBC in Friday night game, 80-35, Espoir BBC’s effort to bounce back immediately came up too short in front the league giants, Patriots BC.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 At Stecol Indoor facility, The Patriots controlled the contest from start to finish, picking up a well-deserved win in a huge game from their star players. Steven Hagumintwali, Sedar Sagamba, Bello Nkanira, and Bienvenu Niyonsaba, all scored double digits in tonight’s 83-61 win.
Bello Nkanira finished with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the win, Bienvenu Niyonsaba had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Steven Hagumintwari and Sedar Sagamba contributed 16 and 10 points respectively.
Heritier Irumva led Espoir BBC with 16 points, while Yamin Niyubahwe added 11 points and grab 13 rebounds.
The Patriots improve to 6-1 this season. They will rub shoulders with Tigers in their next game
After losing two consecutive games and had their five-game win streak snapped, Espoir will be back on court next Sunday, in yet another challenge against the defending champions, REG BBC.
Elsewhere, REG BBC extended their winning streak to six games with a 92-60 victory over the United generations Basketball (UGB)
For more details about Rwanda Basketball league, follow this link
