Rene Sahabu Eyeing up promotion with Kepler

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April 22, 2023

Rene Sahabu Eyeing up promotion with Kepler — Coach Rene Sahabu giving instructions in time-out during Saturday matchup between Kepler and Spartans

Kepler College ease past the Spartans to improve to 10-1 in the league and Rene Sahabu claims that promotion is the ultimate goal for the club amid their maiden season.

Kepler’s 73-36 thrashing of Spartans has been the latest of a strong run of performances for the team that is contesting in Rwanda Basketball League Division 2 for the first time.

Under the stewardship of Rene Sahabu, Kepler has had an amazing season as they have a 10-1 overall record this year and have yet to suffer a home loss.

In an exclusive post-match interview, Kepler head coach, Rene Sahabu reveals his optimism for the club following recent performances.

Rene Sahabu states: “Our main objectives this season are to achieve a top-flight promotion, help young aspiring players develop their talent, and gain exposure at a local and international level. Our utmost target, though, remains a promotion.”

Throughout the games, Kepler CEO continuously yells and supports her team. What does that feeling of support mean to Coach Sahabu?

Natalie Munyampenda, Chief Executive Officer at Kepler

“Having a leader who is really enthusiastic about the game is highly valuable. She backs us up in everything and is practically at all of our games. The boys put in a lot of effort because they can sense the institution’s support, which gives us confidence that we will succeed,” said Coach Sahabu

Kepler traveled to Huye district after defeating Kami Kabange’s Spartans with ease. Tomorrow, Sunday, April 23, they will rub shoulders with UR Huye. Patrick Murwanashyaka and Iman Rutayisire, who were both rested against the Spartans, are part of the group that traveled to the quest for their season-high eleventh victory.

Kevin Siakam, Pascal Siakam’s younger cousin is the new addition to the team. He joined Kepler before the start of 2nd leg.

Kepler tops Group B of the Rwanda Basketball League D2 with a 10-1 win-loss record. Should they finish in the top two, they will advance to the playoffs alongside the Group A clubs, and the finalists will be promoted to the Rwanda Basketball League.

City Oilers Reveal Travelling Squad For BAL Nile Conference.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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April 20, 2023

Uganda’s top-ranked basketball club, City Oilers, will be representing the nation in the Nile Conference of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2023.

The City Oilers, popularly known as ‘The Oilers,’ have won eight FUBA National Basketball League championships in a row, as well as the 2016 and 2017 FIBA Africa Zone V Clubs championships. They’ve also earned a name for themselves on the international scene, having competed in the 2019 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup.

The BAL Nile Conference will be held in the Dr. Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo, Egypt, from Wednesday, April 26th to Saturday, May 6th, 2023. City Oilers will compete against five other African clubs, namely Petro De Luanda on April 27, Al Ahly on April 28, SLAC on May 2, CFV Beira on May 5, and Cape Town on May 6.

“We are thrilled to be representing Uganda as we make our debut at the Basketball Africa
League. Our team has a winning mentality, and we are excited to showcase our skills on
the continent’s biggest stage,” stated head coach Mandy Juruni.

Tonny Drileba, Jimmy Enabu, Ivan Muhwezi, Fayed Baale, Titus Lual Odeke, James ‘Oxsy’ Okello, Edrine Walujjo, Abdulhakim Ghedi, Germaine Roebuck Jr., William Ngor, Fallando Jones, and James Justice Jr. comprise the traveling team.

The Oilers qualified for the Basketball Africa League for the first time in 2022 and will play in the 2023 season.

The Oilers will have their final training session in the Lugogo Indoor Arena TODAY, Thursday, April 20th, 2023, at 8 p.m., before departing Uganda on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023.

FERWABA: Mrs. Fiona Ishimwe to take over from Landry Jabo as an Executive Director

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 20, 2023

The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA reportedly appointed Mrs. Fiona Ishimwe Cynthia Ishimwe as the new Executive Director following Landry Jabo’s resignation.

KIGALI, April 20, 2023, FERWABA, Rwanda’s Basketball governing body, announced the appointment of Fiona Cynthia Ishimwe as the federation’s new executive director (ED), taking over from Landry Jabo who resigned a month ago although the reason for his resignation has not been established.

The FERWABA President stated in a letter to club members that the federation authorized Mr. Jabo’s departure, and Mrs. Ishimwe will take office on April 21, 2023.

“We are pleased to write to inform you that the Executive Committee has approved Mr. Landy Jabo’s resignation as ED. His last day in office is tomorrow, April 21, 2023, thus Madam Fiona Cynthia Ishimwe will take over.” Said Desire Mugwiza.

Mr. Landry Jabo steps down as Ferwaba ED

The members were notified by FERWABA that they would continue to collaborate closely with Mr. Landry Jabo in the events planning and sponsorship coordination. Jabo was the first-ever ED of the Federation, joining in January 2021 as the federation’s executive director and organizer of the 2021 Afro basket at the same time.

Mrs. Ishimwe, former National team player and The Hoops Rwanda captain, has worked in the Federation’s financial office for some time. As a new ED, she will oversee the strategic direction of the federation.

Maroons FC In Substantial Sponsorship Deal Worth 200M With Ngetta Holdings.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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April 20, 2023

Maroons FC enacted a major sponsorship deal with Ngetta Tropical Holdings, a cooking oil producer best known for their Virgin Gold Sunflower cooking oil.

Ngetta Tropical Holdings has previously supported Maroons FC. The firm inked a one-year sponsorship arrangement with the team worth 130 million shillings in 2018. The UGX 200 million sponsorship agreement was made public yesterday, Wednesday, April 19 at the Uganda Prisons Service Headquarters on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala.

The collaboration between the Maroons and Ngetta is an excellent move for the club’s growth and advancement, and both sides are excited about the possibilities it will offer.

“Our sponsorship deal is not an accident, it’s a step in the right direction, and I would like to appreciate the work done by the Maroons FC board,” stated the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija.

“We shall continue to build and enhance positive relations within and outside the service while at the same time adhering to the directives from the President to domicile talented sportsmen in the Country,” he added.

Maroons FC is 11th in the league standings with 27 points and will play UPDF FC on Matchday 24.

NBL: The JT Jaguars Easily Glide To Their Fifth Victory Over The Miracle Ravens.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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April 19, 2023

The newly promoted JT Jaguars hit the court today in the National Basketball League against the Miracle Ravens, completely certain that they would win and bring their winning tally up to 5 games.

With victories over Angels, A1 Challenge, Nabisunsa Girls, Lady Canons, and Miracle Ravens, the JT Jaguars have established themselves at the top of the National Basketball League.

After beating Miracle Raven 78-40, The Jaguars currently have the best record in the league at 6-1. The Jaguars, led by head coach Sudi Ulanga, completely dominated.

“At least everyone contributed to our offense and I am pleased with the way we defended as we played man-to-man the entire limiting them to only 40 points,” Said JT Jaguars head coach.

Amoding Moureen, who has played over 22 minutes in this game and has scored 17 points, the most for JT Jaguars, has an average of 8.5 League points.

The Miracle Ravens’ Brenda Alyano, who averages 21 points per game, struggled in this contest. Sudi Ulanga said, “They are running through number 5, and one job we had to do today was to take care of her,” Alyano scored just three points during the entire game.

The Jaguars’ next game is against the eighth-placed KCCA Leopards.

Esenu and Onana got on the scoresheet as Rayon Sports beat Bugesera

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 16, 2023

Rayon Sports earned three points on match day 26 at Bugesera Stadium thanks to goals from Musa Esenu and Essomba Willy Onana. They are presently four points behind the leaders.

Rayon Sports was the only team in the top four to play today, with APR, Kiyovu, and AS Kigali all having played on Saturday. The blues’ leading scorers delivered in a must-win game to narrow the margin to four points.

Onana broke the deadlock 32 minutes after kickoff to give the Blues a first-half advantage. Esenu increased their advantage 18 minutes after the break with a spectacular goal from a long-range pass from Ganijuru. Bugesera FC 0-2 Rayon Sports at the end of the match.

Rayon Sports are in now in third place with 49 points, four points behind Kiyovu and APR. Their next outing in the league is away to Espoir FC next Saturday.

In the other matches, Marines’ striker Arthur Gitego scored his 7th goal in the 2022/2023 season to hand his team a 1-0 win to Mukura. Gitego’s goal reversed the tide and helped Marines escape the relegation zone

Saaka Yusuf Sarif’s 45^th minute goal handed all match day points to Espoir FC over Sunrise and the same results separated Police FC and Rutsiro. Police scored through Didier Mugisha.

For More details about Rwanda Premier League, follow us on this link

Gasogi holds APR, Kiyovu triumphs, and Rayon Sports faces Bugesera as the title race takes center stage.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 16, 2023

The Rwanda Premier League championship battle heats up, with Gasogi United holding APR FC to a goalless draw, and SC Kiyovu defeated AS Kigali to tie the league’s lead in points with APR FC.

Gasogi United produced a battling performance to halt defending champions APR to a goalless draw at Bugesera Stadium, boosting Kiyovu’s title hopes after the latter defeated city rivals AS Kigali 1-0 at Muhanga Stadium.

Gasogi United was on a six-game losing run and had only two points out of eighteen prior to this match. To boost morale and complete the league’s five games on a high note, it was critical to stop the reigning champions, who had not dropped a point in their previous five games.

APR FC was not at their best on Saturday, as Gasogi held the Army side to another goalless draw this season. The opening leg concluded in a tie at Kigali Pelé Stadium. To refresh your memory, Gasogi has never beaten APR FC in the league.

Erisa Ssekisambu was on target against AS Kigali moving his tally to 9 Rwanda Premier League goals | Photo: Kiyovu

Kiyovu upset AS Kigali at Muhanga Stadium courtesy to a lone goal from Erisa Ssekisambu, narrowing a two-point gap at the top. Both SC Kiyovu and APR FC have 53 points, but APR holds a goal-difference edge.

In other results, Gorilla defeated Etincelles 4-1, while Musanze defeated Rwamagana City 2-1 on the road.

Bugesera FC welcomes Rayon Sports at Bugesera Stadium today. The blues wish to capitalize on APR’s 0-0 draw with Gasogi.

With a game in hand, Gikundiro sits 7 points behind the leaders. If they defeat Bugesera, the deficit will remain at four points.

For more details about RPL fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link

Umugwaneza leads APR WBBC past REG BBC

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 1, 2023

Charlotte Umugwaneza drops a 18 point, 15 rebound double-double, leading APR Women BBC to a 80-63 victory over REG Women BBC on Saturday night. APR reclaims the top spot

A dramatic matchup took place in LDK Gymnasium between the top two teams in the Rwanda Women’s Basketball League and the league’s finalists from the previous season.

The league’s lone unbeaten team, APR, ended REG BBC’s winning streak. Throughout the first three quarters, the squad led by Charles Mbazumutima was unstoppable due to its command of the game, adept ball movement, and effective field goal shooting. REG was unable to close the gap in the final 10 minutes.

21-18, 21-13, 25-10, and 13-22 were the game’s quarter scores, as APR dominated the paint in every quarter. having 20 more rebounds than REG and scoring 16 more points in the paint.

Charlotte Umugwaneza led the army team with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Sandra Kantore and Jordan Umuhoza added 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The 24 points game-high plus 9 rebounds by Feza Ebengo weren’t enough for REG that fell to a 4-1 record. APR WBBC has won five games in a row and remain undefeated.

In a post-match interview, APR head coach discloses a secret behind their success in this season so far.

“This season has seen some changes at the club. The Ministry of defense provides a significant fund. we made some good trades and the roster looks solid now.” Said Charles Mbazumutima

He continued by saying that the Zone V trophy is a lofty goal and that winning a league is a necessity.

Esperance Mukaneza, on the other hand, claims that having her captain not fully healthy costed her team a game.

“Our captain, Sandrine [Mushikiwabo] played a few minutes before being taken off due to health concerns. Thus, our roster got trimmed against a confident APR.” Stated REG Women BBC head coach

Rwanda and Benin share spoils again

By

Ground Sports

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March 29, 2023

Five days after a 1-1 draw in Cotonou, Rwanda and Benin ended up with a point a piece again at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The Cheetahs got the lead in the 58th minute but Thierry Manzi’s header level up the score and share the spoils.

March 29, 2023 at Kigali Pelé Stadium, Rwanda draw Benin in the reverse leg of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match of Group L. Another draw that doesn’t help either Nations.

Raphael York missed a penalty kick that would have given Amavubi the lead 17 minutes after the start because it felt short in front of Saturmin Allagbe. Two minutes later, Fiacre Ntwali made a hilarious stop on a long-range free kick from Ishola Junior Olaitan to keep Rwanda in the match. They had a scoreless tie going into the interval.

Jodel Dossou scored the first goal for the Cheetahs 13 minutes after the half, taking advantage of Junior Olatan’s long pass to beat the Rwandan goalie and find himself in front of an empty net. No Mistake.

In the 71th minute, Amavubi bounced back to level up the score. Thierry Manzi scored a header from a set piece. Full time 1-1, the same results as the first leg

Gernot Rohr, the head coach of Benin, said in the post-game press conference that they had complained to CAF because Kevin Muhire, who should have been suspended for accumulating cards, was playing for Rwanda. On this issue, CAF has not yet made a decision.

With three points after four games, Amavubi must win the last two matches if they want qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

In this Group L, led by Senegal that has already secured a ticket with 12 points, Mozambique comes second with 4 points while Benin is still bottom with just two points.

Amavubi will host Mozambique in June before facing Senegal in the last game.

Benin XI: Saturnin Allagbe, Youssouf Amouda Assogba, Abdou Kaled Akiola Adenon, Cedric Yannick, Senami Hountondji, Mattéo Alrich Ahlinvi, Tosin Aiyegun, Enagnon David Kiki, Ishola Junior Olaitan, Francisco Dodo Abdel Dodji Dokou, Jodel Harold Oluwafemi Dossou, and Melvyn Doremus

Rwanda XI: Fiacre Ntwali, Ali Omar Serumogo, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Steve Rubanguka, Kevin Muhire, Raphael York, Fred Muhozi, Gilbert Mugisha, and Meddie Kagere

Rogers Mato scored a late goal to earn Uganda Cranes a well-needed victory in Dar es Salaam

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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March 28, 2023

March 28, Uganda Cranes defeated Taifa Stars 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in Dar es Salaam thanks to a late goal from Rogers Mato.

At the Benjamin Mkapa International Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Uganda earned its first victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches thanks to a goal from Rogers Mato in the final moments. To maintain their chances of going back to the Africa Cup of Nations, Milutin Sredovic’s team needed to win.

With 2 games left in the campaign, Today’s results opened up the contention between the two East African countries as the Algerians already sealed qualification from the group.

Uganda will host Algeria before traveling to Niger, while Tanzania will host Niger and play Algeria away.

Both Uganda and Tanzania are tied for second place with four points and share the exact same number of games played, wins, draws, losses, and even goal difference. Niger is bottom with 2 points

This is how both teams lined up:

Uganda XI: Salim Jamal, Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdu Aziiz Kayondo, Halidi Lwaliwa, Timothy Awany, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Joseph Ochaya, Ismal Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, and Emmauel Arnold Okwi (C)

Tanzania XI: Aishi Manula, Mohamed Husseini, Novatus Miroshi, Ibrahim Abdallah Hamad, Job Dickson, Mzamiru Yasin, Himid Mao, Mudathir Yahya, Simon Msuva, Abdul Hamisi Suleiman, and Mbwana Samatta (C)

Rene Sahabu Eyeing up promotion with Kepler

Kepler College ease past the Spartans to improve to 10-1 in the league and Rene Sahabu claims that promotion is the ultimate goal for the club amid their maiden season.

City Oilers Reveal Travelling Squad For BAL Nile Conference.

Uganda’s top-ranked basketball club, City Oilers, will be representing the nation in the Nile Conference of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2023.

FERWABA: Mrs. Fiona Ishimwe to take over from Landry Jabo as an Executive Director

The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA reportedly appointed Mrs. Fiona Ishimwe Cynthia Ishimwe as the new Executive Director following Landry Jabo’s resignation.

Maroons FC In Substantial Sponsorship Deal Worth 200M With Ngetta Holdings.

Maroons FC enacted a major sponsorship deal with Ngetta Tropical Holdings, a cooking oil producer best known for their Virgin Gold Sunflower cooking oil.

NBL: The JT Jaguars Easily Glide To Their Fifth Victory Over The Miracle Ravens.

The newly promoted JT Jaguars hit the court today in the National Basketball League against the Miracle Ravens, completely certain that they would win and bring their winning tally up to 5 games.

Esenu and Onana got on the scoresheet as Rayon Sports beat Bugesera

Rayon Sports earned three points on match day 26 at Bugesera Stadium thanks to goals from Musa Esenu and Essomba Willy Onana. They are presently four points behind the leaders.

Gasogi holds APR, Kiyovu triumphs, and Rayon Sports faces Bugesera as the title race takes center stage.

The Rwanda Premier League championship battle heats up, with Gasogi United holding APR FC to a goalless draw, and SC Kiyovu defeated AS Kigali to tie the league’s lead in points with APR FC.

Umugwaneza leads APR WBBC past REG BBC

Charlotte Umugwaneza drops a 18 point, 15 rebound double-double, leading APR Women BBC to a 80-63 victory over REG Women BBC on Saturday night. APR reclaims the top spot

Rwanda and Benin share spoils again

Five days after a 1-1 draw in Cotonou, Rwanda and Benin ended up with a point a piece again at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The Cheetahs got the lead in the 58th minute but Thierry Manzi’s header level up the score and share the spoils.

Rogers Mato scored a late goal to earn Uganda Cranes a well-needed victory in Dar es Salaam

March 28, Uganda Cranes defeated Taifa Stars 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in Dar es Salaam thanks to a late goal from Rogers Mato.

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