AS Kigali held APR FC to a goalless draw | Photo: Julius NTARE
Rwanda Premier League title race took an unexpected turn on Thursday night as defending champions APR FC were held to a goalless draw against AS Kigali at Kigali Stadium. A third in row
Kigali, Thursday, December 8, APR FC dropped points for the fourth consecutive time, a fourth consecutive draw which included three goalless draws.
In a very boring rescheduled fixture of the sixth round, the army side failed to beat the citizens in all competition games since a 3-0 victory at Kigali Stadium in December 2018 (D7 L3).
A draw between these league contenders is kind for current table toppers Rayon Sports, however, the blues will need to keep the momentum if they are to push for their first league title since the 2018/2019 season.
AS Kigali remained in 2nd place with 24 points, APR FC moved to 3rd place with 21 points, tied with fourth Kiyovu. Rayon Sports are 4 points clear at the top of the RPL table, and 7 points ahead of their arch-rivals APR FC.
In the next assignment, APR FC will travel to Rubavu to face Rutsiro FC on December 11, 2022, while AS Kigali will host Espoir FC on the same day
This is how both teams lined up
AS Kigali XI: F. Ntwali, H. Rugirayabo, J.P. Ahoyikuye, A. Kwitonda, L. Bishira (C), R.Kalisa, O. Niyonzima, J. Lawrence, M. Nyarugabo, K. Lottin , and H. Shaban
APR FC XI: P. Ishimwe, F. Ombolenga, P. Buregeya (C), C. Niyigena, C. Niyomugabo, B. Mugisha, B. Ruboneka, L. Byiringiro, R. Niyibizi, A. Muhire, and Y. Mugunga
Subs: Alexandre, Dieudonne, Fiston, Gilbert, Christian, Nshuti, Alain, And Djabel
Men's National 3x3 Basketball that will represent Rwanda at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Cairo, Egypt
Rwandan and Patriots forward Steven Hagumintwari leads a 4-man Rwanda team chosen by Moise Mutokambali for two-day FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup tournament slated in Cairo, Egypt
Yesterday, Thursday, December 1, 2022, the National men’s three-on-three (3×3) Basketball team departed for the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup tournament which will be held from 3 to 4 December 2022 in Cairo.
With eight teams split into two groups, Rwanda is pitted in Group A alongside Egypt, Madagascar, and Botswana. Group B comprises Kenya, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Morocco.
Team Rwanda, under the stewardship of Moise Mutokambali, Basketball National Director, will tip off their campaign against Botswana and Egypt on 3rd December.
Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, the APR’s recently signed point guard, together with his new partner Patrick Ngabonziza, and last season’s most improved player, Olivier Turatsinze, make up the squad led by Steven Hagumintwari. Turatsinze plays for IPRC Kigali.
The FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2022 is the fourth iteration of this continental competition for African national teams. The previous edition was held in Kampala, and Egypt was proclaimed champion after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the finals.
SOR Youth Summit held at Kigali Convention Center on November 25th 2022
Special Olympics Rwanda celebrated a historic partnership with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a Youth Leadership Summit at the Kigali Convention Center. Over 100 delegates attended, including youth with and without intellectual disabilities, government representatives, and visiting Special Olympics Africa delegations.
KIGALI, November 25, 2022, Under the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Inclusion through Unified Champion Schools,” a summit of youth with and without intellectual disabilities from primary schools, secondary schools, and universities was held and attended by Mr. Charles Nyambe, The Regional President and Managing director at Special Olympics Africa
Special Olympics International collaborated with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, to launch the Unified Champions School (UCS) project initiative in six countries: Argentina, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania, and Rwanda.
According to Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda, the project is yielding positive results in Rwanda and people with intellectual disabilities are getting rid of isolation to live in a truly unified, harmonious and socially inclusive school society
Pastor Deus SANGWA, The Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda
“Special Olympics Rwanda is extremely proud to host this project, and to share its experiences and activities at this Youth Summit. Unified Champions Schools has had a great impact in the Program communities, both directly and indirectly, and we are glad to be sharing our practices,” said Pastor Sangwa Deus, Chair of Special Olympics Rwanda.
The goal of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is to promote social inclusion via carefully designed and implemented activities that affect system-wide change, such as inclusive young leadership, whole-school awareness, and inclusive sports. Special Olympics Unified Sports is an essential component of UCS as a technique that has been shown to increase tolerance and inclusion in schools and is sponsored by a global network of sports federations and global sponsors.
Various Panel sessions discussed ways to promote social inclusion as the primary goal of UCS. From the left to the right, Jackie LUMBASI, The moderator, James MUNYANEZA, media representative, Tristan MURENZI, the executive chairperson at Rwanda we want, Mrs. Shilla NDEGEYA, the National Director of SOR, and Agnes NGAWA MUMBA, the senior manager & youth engagement at SOAL-R: Pastor Deus SANGWA, SOR’s Chairman, Mr. Charles Nyambe, SOA’s Regional President and Managing Director, Mr. John Bosco MUHAMYANGABO, UCS Project Manager at SOR, Dr. Ben Alexandre MPOZEMBIZI, National project officer at UNESCO Rwanda, and Mr. Tristan MURENZI, the executive chairperson at Rwanda we want
Special Olympics Rwanda offers events and training sessions to adolescents of all abilities that promote both personal and professional development. Special Olympics Rwanda has already trained hundreds of teachers and coaches in Unified Schools and Unified Sports management, broadening the scope of Special Olympics programming and reaching previously underserved intellectually disabled athletes.
Since 2020, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s sponsorship of this initiative has enabled the following accomplishments:
Special Olympics Rwanda has carried out this initiative from all the corners of the country; Kigali, the Eastern, Northern, and Western Provinces.
Special Olympics Rwanda has recruited 170 schools in collaboration with the Districts (40, 70, 25, and 25 schools respectively).
340 education experts in Rwanda have been prepared with Unified Champion Schools tools and information about sports for individuals with intellectual impairments by training a representative teacher and a coach from each school.
Along with sports knowledge, 110 people with intellectual disabilities have already received Unified Sports kits, which include 15 football jerseys, 9 athletics jerseys, 5 bocce jerseys, 2 footballs, 10 corners, 2 whistles, 1 stopwatch, and 1 box of bocce balls. All 170 schools are expected to receive their sports uniforms before the end of the school year.
With the donation of 200 footballs and 100 basketballs, Special Olympics Rwanda collaborated with the Ministry of Education Active Holidays Sports Equipment in the “Active Holiday” initiative, which brought together students of all abilities on summer vacation to socialize and play games in a supportive environment.
Kigali Car Free Day, a well-known sporting event that takes place every first and third Sunday of the month, when roads are closed to motorized cars and only walking and cycling are permitted. Special Olympics Rwanda has enabled persons with intellectual impairments to engage in this sport for the first time. This event has been held four times since the beginning of the initiative, with our athletes taking part each time.
Special Olympics Rwanda organized a vibrant celebration at the major Down Town Bus Station, energized by athletes, family members, and volunteers, to promote the inclusion of persons with intellectual impairments.
In the year 2020, His Highness, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has given Special Olympics a transformational US$25 million gift to establish the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education in Abu Dhabi, as well as the growth and development of Unified Champions School (UCS).
Currently, the program has established UCS in six countries, including Rwanda, with a goal of expanding to 17 additional nations by January 2023. His Highness’ generosity has resulted in the establishment of 577 new schools, the effect of more than 411,000 kids, and the training of over 4,000 coaches and teachers.
When answering a journalist’s question after the summit, Mr. Charles Nyambe, The Special Olympics Africa Chairman emphasized that the programs created to promote social inclusion will stand firm for more years on this continent and certain measures are in place to ensure that the projects are well maintained
Special Olympics Africa’s Regional President and Managing Director, Mr. Charles Nyambe
“There will be no failure. monitoring and evaluation are carried out on a regular basis. So, if we see the TrenDs, we will take immediate action. Our well-built infrastructure is something we can be proud of.”
Rwanda is the first and only country in sub-Saharan Africa to get this grant, which has been in place since 2020 and will last through 2023, thanks to its government’s inclusive approach.
The celebration was entertained by a Rwandan famed rapper, Emery GATSINZI popularly known as Riderman. An opportunity for youth to create beautiful memories to cherishOrganizers, Speakers, Panelists and Attendees who made this inclusion summit a huge success
Bienvenu Mugenzi scored a brace against his former club | Photo: SC Kiyovu
The on-form goal poacher, Bienvenu Mugenzi scored a second-half brace for SC Kiyovu, as they come from behind to force a draw in an entertaining clash against APR FC.
Wednesday, November 23, In A very tense game at Kigali Stadium, the green baggies had to come from two goals behind in the first half to force a draw against the defending champions, APR FC.
The army side started well and dominated in the early moments of the match which gave them two goals advantage in the first 15 minutes of the game. Bonheur Mugisha and Lague Byiringiro got on the scoresheet for APR.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, Kiyovu’s Alain André Landeut made a change with Khamis Bizimana taken off and replaced by Riyaad Norodien. The latter brought in some pace and thanks to the chances he created, Mugenzi found the back of the nets for the fourth and fifth time this season.
Riyaad Norodien was a game-changer after coming on for Khamis Bizimana at the halftime. | Photo: SC Kiyovu
The draw leaves table toppers unshaken. SC Kiyovu remain 2 points clear at the top of the table, followed by Rayon Sports and APR FC in the 3rd spot.
Today, Rayon Sports faces AS Kigali in a mouth-watering match-up of match day 10. For more details about RPL, follow this link.
Saturday, November 12th, several NVL games were played at MTN Arena, with the biggest game of the day being UCU against OBB, in which a 3-2 setback surprised the defending champions.
MTN Arena Lugogo is the focal point for a variety of indoor sports in the country, with basketball reaping significant benefits from hosting the National Basketball League, NBL there. The most recent NBL league playoffs produced possibly the largest turnout for a league final.
In 2019, the NVL was mostly played outdoors at Sport-S grounds, UCU grounds, and Nkumba grounds. To cap off the league, UVF held the league playoffs at the MTN Arena Lugogo.
COVID-19 lockdown halted all contact sports for nearly two years. The NVL returned in 2021-2022, with 80% of regular league matches held at the newly constructed Old Kampala Sports Arena.
Fans expected the season playoffs to be held at the MTN Arena, but the federation decided it had no choice but to stay at Old Kampala because the Lugogo venue was fully booked on scheduled match days.
The 2022/2023 season saw a large turnout at the league launch. Ndejje University shared the spoils with Nemo Stars in a 3-2 win for the former, with Sport-S’ 3-0 victory over defending champions OBB drawing the most attention.
The league returned to the Old Kampala Sports Arena, but not for long; week 8 fixtures were held last Saturday at the MTN Arena in Lugogo. Does this imply that fans will watch league games at this venue regularly?
According to a post on the official Uganda Volleyball Federation Twitter page, the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, paid a visit to the federation at their offices at Unicalo Building and discussed matters pertaining to the fair distribution of time to all indoor sports federations in the utilization of the MTN Arena.
The visit took place about three weeks ago, just before matches at the MTN Arena. The return of the National Volleyball League to Lugogo will delight fans because the venue is strategically located in Kampala’s sports hub.
Special Olympics Rwanda climaxed the 2022 National Gamesfor people with and without intellectual disabilities Saturday, November 5th at Lycée de Kigali, Nyarugenge district. 126 athletes from 18 schools competed in 4 sports disciplines.
KIGALI, November 5, 2022, Special Olympics Rwanda, SOR organized the final phase of the National Games in advance of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, which will be held in Berlin, Germany between 17 and 25 June 2023.
The National Games are put on by Special Olympics-accredited programs all over the world, to be played locally featuring multiple competitions in different sports disciplines. Teams that represent Nations at the World Games are then selected from these competitions which are played locally at National Level.
At the Lycée de Kigali Secondary school, 126 athletes from seven districts competed in 4 sports—football, athletics, basketball, and bocce—during the 2022 National Games.
Speaking to Pastor Deus Sangwa, the Special Olympics Rwanda chairperson, he could not hide his expression of joy for the rapid growth of unified sports in Rwanda.
SOR chairperson, Pastor Deus addressing the media
He said, “My heart is full of joy. When you see these young athletes compete, wearing the same kits, you cannot identify the person with Intellectual disabilities and the one who doesn’t. This is the result of upholding the inclusion policy which is Unified Sport.”
Despite being pleased with the achievement, the chairperson didn’t hesitate to include the neighborhood in continuing to build an inclusive atmosphere that empowers those with intellectual disabilities.
“We still have to continue campaigning for parents, families, and governmental institutions to take part in the inclusive policy and build an environment that allows people with Intellectual disabilities to feel included,” Pastor Sangwa continued.
The Saturday competitions allowed people with intellectual disabilities to interact with people without mental impairments while showcasing their talents, abilities, and commitment.
In the men’s 100-meter race, Fabrice Niyibeshaho, a competitor from the Kayonza District, finished in second place. He wasn’t satisfied, therefore his dedication drove him to set a target for the upcoming games.
Fabrice Niyibeshaho, an S4 student at GS Kayonza
“I did the 100 meters race; I am glad I emerged in the 2nd place but I believe that if I keep training, I will get first place. You can achieve anything if you set a goal, and next time I will surely come back stronger. My parents help me even though it’s hard but I will make it,” said Niyibeshaho, a Senior 4 student at Groupe Scolaire Kayonza.
In other disciplines, Ecole Sainte Bernadette de Kamonyi beat Lycée de Kigali 36-30 in a well-contested Basketball game. Lycée de Kigali’s Jane Dusabe’s 10 points earned her a most valuable player accolade.
ESB Kamonyi, The Gold Medalists in Basketball posing for a picture with a delegation from HaïtiJane Dusabe also known as Kabaka, the MVP in Basketball. Jane plays for the Rwanda Basketball League top-tier league side, The Hoops Rwanda. Jean Mfurayase, the school’s Head Teacher congratulated the young talented girl.
In the men’s football competition, Lycée de Kigali triumphed in front of their home supporters despite facing a challenging test against GS Karama. In the thrilling women’s match, GS Kimisagara prevailed after a 0-0 full-time result allowed them to win 6-5 on penalties.
SOR chairperson, Pastor Deus Sangwa together with Nyarugenge DDEA, Esperance Nshutiraguma handing the trophy to Lycée de Kigali.Groupe Scolaire Kimisagara crowned the winners of the 2022 National Games in Women’s Football
Following the quota below, 16 competitors will be selected to represent Rwanda at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany;
Athletics: 3 athletes comprising two males and one female.
Bocce: A team of two athletes, one male, and one female.
Football: A team made up of 11 female players.
In her closing remarks, Nyarugenge Deputy District Executive Administrator, Mrs. Esperance Nshutiraguma, praised the efforts made by Special Olympics Rwanda and the government to help persons with Intellectual disabilities feel respected. She picked up a new sport and right away saw the advantages of playing bocce.
Esperance Nshutiraguma, DDEA of Nyarugenge District
“It is really amazing. We appreciate the work done by their mentors and coaches, and we are grateful to the children.”
“Personally It was my first time to see bocce, However, it helps to promote a child’s brain development, it helps to develop motor skills, and it also helps children to relax and live with others in harmony just to discover the love of society,” said Nyarugenge DDEA
“We are very grateful to the Special Olympics and particularly the wisdom of our government to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities,”
Disability is not inabilitySOR leaves no one behind
Special Olympics Rwanda is a nongovernmental organization affiliated with Special Olympics International in 2003 with a mission to provide year-round sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience, joy, and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The Battle between Eric Kanza (white) and Jean Paul Ahoyikuye was interesting | Photo: Christophe Renzaho
AS Kigali dropped points for the first time in the 2022-2023 Rwanda Premier League, as they shared spoils with Musanze FC in a goalless draw at Kigali Stadium
Wednesday, November 2, the Citizens winning streak came to an end after Musanze FC held them to 0-0 in the rescheduled match of Day 3.
Cassa Mbungo’s side failed to secure their fifth consecutive win in the Rwanda Premier League, but they extended their unbeaten run. 4 wins and 1 draw.
The Citizens are lagging in third place behind Kiyovu and Rayon Sports, followed by yesterday’s opponent Musanze FC. Frank Ouna’s charges moved into fourth place with 4W, 1D, and 2 losses.
This matchup was initially scheduled to be played in August, however, AS Kigali was still in continental engagements.
Both AS Kigali and Musanze will be back on the pitch over the weekend as they will be locking horns with Bugesera and Mukura, respectively.
For more details on fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link
How both teams lined up
AS Kigali Lineup | Photo: Christophe Renzaho
AS Kigali XI: Fiacre Ntwali (GK), Hassan Rugirayabo, Latif Bishira (C), Ally Kwitonda, Jean Paul Ahoyikuye, Lawrence Djuma, Man Yakre, Rachid Kalisa, Felix Lottin Konne, Jacques Tuyisenge, and Shaban Hussein
Musanze FC started XI against AS Kigali | Photo: Christophe Renzaho
Musanze XI: Gad Muhawenayo (GK), Obed Harerimana, Isaac Nsengiyumva, Anicet Muhire, Patrick Ntijyinama (C), Valeur Nduwayo, Eric Kanza, Christophe Uwiringiyimana, Ogedo Victor, Namanda Wafula, and Ben Ocen
Landry Ndikumana, the team captain, led the way for the Burundian side, Urunani with 18 points and seven rebounds.
On Friday night, Burundi team Urunani defeated hosts Army Basketball Club 70-45 at the Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Stadium in the first game of Group C qualifiers for the Road To BAL 2023.
Captain Landry was a breeze to have on his side and put on a fantastic performance. After a failed layup, the center picked a rebound to score his team’s first points. Guibert Nijimbere, Urunani’s point guard, scored 10 points in his team’s defeat against its East African opponents.
The Burundian club concluded the first quarter stronger, racking up points in the last minutes. Urunani won the quarter 21-7 thanks to four three-pointers, with Ndikumana leading the way with seven points and five rebounds.
The Tanzanians also managed to score some points, with guard Mohamed Mwenda hitting two three-pointers with precision. The Burundian club went into the break on top (40-22).
In the third quarter, the home team appeared to have found some offensive flow. Tyrone Leopald had four points, while Fadhili Chuma scored on a fluid passing play with Alinan Musongole. They attempted to reduce the lead, but Urunani proved too strong, winning the third quarter 53-36.
The Burundian club was superior in all aspects of the game and deserved their 25-point victory in the end.
“I feel good about my contribution. I thank my team, we were all focused on the game and everyone gave their best,” said Landry.
Landry’s next game today will be against his previous Ugandan team, City Oilers. For numerous years, the center helped the Oilers win championships. The Oilers also had their first game against Zambia’s Matero Magic.
The Oilers defeated Matero Magic brilliantly, winning 90-51. This result puts them and Urunani among the favorites to advance to the Elite 16 round of this Group C qualification.
Vashon Roebuck from the United States led the scoring with 26 points, while Sudanese center Maker Maker (14) and shooting guard Tony Drileba (13) also helped to the Oilers’ victory.
Vashon Roebuck Led The Oiler To A Smooth Victory
Urunani, Landry’s team, will face the City Oilers today in a contest that will determine who will finish top in this group.
Burundi Side, Urunani BBC look tooled up ahead for the encounter in the Road To BAL 2023 Group C qualifiers round in Tanzania.
The Road to BAL qualifications will mark the debut of the recently crowned VIVA Basketball League champions, Urunani BBC. Be aware that the club has experience competing in FIBA-organized competitions, having won three Zone 5 championships.
Additionally, the Burundian team’s roster includes players with international experience, such as
Former KIU Titans point guard Micheal Kunguzibwa competed for Kenyan team KPA in the preliminary round of the BAL’s first season.
Alvaro Masa, a forward from Spain, has experience in BAL after playing for the Moroccan team AS SALE in the Elite 16 round and competing in all prior edition final games.
Famous Burundian big man Landry Ndikumana spent several years playing for City Oilers, the league’s current champions in the Uganda National Basketball League.
Gilbert Nijimbere. Former IPRC Kigali and Patriots.
Malick Ngenzahayo is an excellent point guard. played for the Tigers BBC team in Rwanda.
Former KCCA Panthers player from Kenya, Paul Ereng.
Adjehi Baru. The Ivorian can play both center and power-forward positions. He participated for Ferroviario de Maputo in recent BAL editions and has also participated in the 2019 World Cup while representing the Cote d’Ivoire National Team.
“We applaud the efforts of the club’s administration. They provided significant funding for the club’s progress in this journey,” said the head coach Aaron Kagabo.
Aaron Kagabo, Urunani Head Coach | Image: FIBA
With the present lineup, Urunani has a strong chance of winning Group C of this Road To BAL qualifying competition and advancing further to the Elite 16 stage.
“We are here to advance to the next round. The odds are 100 percent in our favor. We must take it game by game, and we must only play one game at a time as it is the last. Target is the first place; there is no reason for second place. We must advance to the Elite 16,” he added.
Today’s opening match of this qualifier will pit Urunani BBC versus Tanzania’s A.B.C, the tournament’s host team. The match against City Oilers will follow tomorrow and thereafter end the campaign versus Matero Magic from Zambia on Sunday.
28/10/2022 19:00 Eat – A.B.C (TAN) VS URUNANI (BDI) 21:30 Eat – CITY OILERS (UGA) VS MATERO MAGIC (ZAM)
29/10/2022 16:30 Eat – URUNANI (BDI) VS CITY OILERS (UGA) 19:00 Eat – A.B.C (TAN) VS MATERO MAGIC (ZAM)
30/10/2022 16:30 Eat – MATERO MAGIC (ZAM) VS URUNANI (BDI) 19:00 Eat – CITY OILERS (UGA) VS A.B.C (TAN)
After failures in earlier iterations of this competition, the City Oilers have yet to overcome the Elite Round curse.
City Oilers participated in the inaugural BAL in 2019 and made it beyond the Road To BAL round, but they were unable to continue past the Elite Round after defeats to Maputo of Mozambique and the Patriots of Rwanda.
Similar events happened in the edition following the first season, however, this time the Ugandan representative lost in the Elite Round because of COVID-19 instances in the camp.
The National Basketball League champion Oilers entered these qualifiers after defeating the Nam Blazers in a grueling game-seven series to win the league for the eighth consecutive season.
“The recent playoffs provided us with the best training. All individuals are in good physical condition. However, it left us with a few wounds and exhausted bodies. However, the players will still play through it,” according to Oilers Coach Mande Juruni.
Originally, Uganda was scheduled to host and City Oilers hoped to benefit from home advantage by competing in front of a home crowd and at a familiar location during Group C Road to BAL Qualifiers, but regrettably, Tanzania acquired the hosting rights.
In order to enter this tournament prepared and to give it our all, the team’s captain, James Okello, stated, “We have been practicing and the finals we played back home prepared us extremely well.”
Jimmy Enabu, an important point guard who suffered an injury during the playoffs, is not with the team that traveled to Dar es Salaam but the side has since added Trey Petty and Roebuck Germaine to the lineup.
The Oilers can win the qualifying round, according to Okello. His assurance is a result of how the just-announced national league champions won their championship.
City Oilers’ first game will be against Zambia’s Matero Magic on Friday, followed by a match against Burundi’s Urunani the following day. On Sunday, the Ugandan club will end its Road To BAL campaign against the host’s Army Basketball Club.
