Nsambya-based club, Sport-S outdid former National Volleyball League, NVL champions Nemo Stars to diminish the disappointing defeat from last weekend’s encounter.
A stunning 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19) win against Nemo Stars was all Sport-S needed to boost their league confidence following a breakdown from last weekend’s combat with the university side, UCU.
UCU was crowned champions of the 10th edition of the Ndejje Open Volleyball Tournament after a 3-1 win against Sport-S. The latter did take this league break defeat lightly as they gathered their charges against Nemo Stars yesterday.
Coach Mugisha rallying his men against Nemo Stars
“This win means a lot because we are from a loss against UCU. So, it means that we are coming back strong. from a loss and then you beat Nemo 3-0, that is something good and more confidence.” said head coach Mugisha.
In the last league encounters between Sport-S and Nemo, the latter away the dominant party registering 2 wins against the former 3-1 and 3-1.
A 3-0 win in round 1 should lift the spirits for the Nsambya-based club. With the competition always growing harder towards the end of the regular league, gaining maxing points is key.
Mugisha added, “When we come here, we need maximum points. That is our target.”
Sport-S was monstrous against defending champions, OBB in the league opening match. Young star Micheal Mangon was a surprise for OBB in that 3-0 win. Micheal did not get as much playing time in yesterday’s game and here is what head coach Mugisha had to say.
“League is a long season, so you need to manage the fitness of players. Micheal is a very good player but he is from playing East African games. So you need to control that fatigue. Yes, we need him to play but also control his body so that we can prepare him for better games.”
Sport-S play Ndejje Sharks in week 4 matches. Follow the Men’s Serie A with the link here
September 24, 2022, The Jr. NBA “Bye Bye Vacance” camp held in Rwamagana, featuring 120 boys and girls ages 14-16 from 43 schools across the country has been successfully completed. A three-day kid’s fundamental skills and grassroots coaches’ capacity-building training was conducted by Basketball Development camps liaison at NBA Africa, Mr. Jöel Yoba.
In a collaboration through basketball development, FERWABA and NBA Africa had an agreement to organize the Jr NBA League in 2018. However, due to the recent pandemic that hit the world, the Jr NBA league had come to a screeching halt. Now that the situation has improved, the Rwanda governing body for Basketball together with NBA Africa come to an agreement that this coming school year, the U-15 Jr NBA league will be back in the most effective way.
Speaking to Moise Mutokambali, The Basketball National Technical Director gave us the overview and timing of this clinic camp.
Moise Mutokambali, The National Technical Director
“We thought that before the school year starts, we would re-launch the Jr NBA league in schools. We organized these camps that include coaching seminars as well as awakening to improve the fundamental skills for children under 16 years old.” Said Mutokambali
He continued. “Currently the program operates in 43 schools, reaching out to all corners of the country for both girls and boys. The league features 30 school teams which is the number of teams in the NBA.”
At Groupe Scolaire St Aloys Rwamagana Gymnasium, 120 children under the guidance of 30 grassroots coaches from their respective schools picked up the package that will enable them to play structural and standard basketball.
In an interview with Mr. Jöel Yoba, Basketball Development camps liaison at NBA Africa who conducted this three-day fruitful clinic, shortly outlines the purposes for this camp.
“The main purpose of this camp is working with kids at the grassroots level, improving the fundamental skills at the same time working with the coaches, equipping them with tools to get back to the schools and teach the kids in a better way.” Said, Mr. Yoba.
Basketball Development camps liaison at NBA Africa, Mr. Jöel Yoba.
He carried on that NBA Africa camps are not only aimed to develop the core values of the game but people’s personalities too.
“This is a huge opportunity. Coming from different places, 43 schools from around Rwanda, came together to Rwamagana. they learn fundamental skills, how to play basketball, how to pass, dribble, shoot …and also make new friends; of course, there are some people they have never met before. I think this is an opportunity to grow not only as basketball players but as human beings.”
The training took place, went well, and was successfully completed. but how will the participants be monitored so that what they have learned is not in vain?
“The follow-up is simple. For the coaches, there is an assessment that needs to be made. With the partnership of FERWABA, we’re working so hard to make sure that all the coaches have the tools that will help them do the job and then go back to the schools.
“For the kids, they have an experience of what Jr NBA is. They are going back to school, tell their teammates that they attended a beautiful camp and they will encourage others to join the program” Explained, Jöel Yoba.
In conclusion, the American coach and Instructor explained how it feels to work with Rwandan kids. In an exciting way, he says that Rwandan kids are promising.
He said “Rwandan kids are amazing. On the court, they give 100%, they listen, and they pay attention to what the coaches say and this is what you need to be a great basketball player but also a great human being.”
According to Lydia Ketia Ndayisabye, a student at Ecole Notre Dame de la Providence Karubanda, the camp has taught them a lot that will help them improve their talents, and motivate them to play the game they love.
Lydia Ketia Ndayisabye.
“I have been playing basketball for six years. during this camp, I acquired the skills of the game including shooting, stealing, defense, and other life skills to raise my talent happily and motivated “. Trainee Ndayisabye.
The Jr. NBA is a basketball development program for both boys and girls, teaching them fundamental skills at the grassroots level as well as developing and strengthening the skills of coaches.
Malik Ddamulira’s side, Sport-S Ladies are off to a good league start after defeating challenging opponent OBB.
Sport-S last weekend registered their second consecutive win league win that kick-starts their unbeaten run. This win secures the Nsambya ladies a top spot in the Women’s Serie A League Table at the end of week 2 games.
3-0 against KAVC-A and 3-1 against OBB bags 6 points for the S team. The recent win is icing on the top for the S team as they previously lost a title to the Iganga Ladies at the NCC Tournament in Iganga.
Head coach Malik Ddamulira has his work cut to keep up this form as his side has a bigger challenge against Ndejje Elites in a week 4 encounter, right after facing Espoir in a previous week 3 match.
Malik doubles as head coach for S Team side Tigers who are new in the top flight league. Tigers continue struggling as they get a taste of the big boys league. They registered yet another loss against the University side, UCU.
Tigers sit at the bottom of the Men’s Serie A League Table together with Sky having acquired 0 points from their 2 outings. Both sides will look to redeem points in week 3 games where they face each other.
On the hand, KAVC-A is in the driving seat after obtaining 6 points from 2 games with UCU following in second place.
Watch out for the week 3 match between Nemo Stars and Sport-S. The Kololo boys have had a rough start to the league contrary to Sport-S who played an entertaining 3-0 win against defending champions OBB.
REG BBC, The 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Champions | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
REG Basketball Club has successfully defended its Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) title after defeating Patriots last night at the BK Arena. REG BBC clinched their 3rd league title and secure the 2023 BAL slot.
Rwanda Energy Group team beat the Patriots 84-74 in Sunday, September 18, 2022, deciding Game 5 of the Rwanda Basketball League playoff finals. The defending champions took the best-of-five series three games to two over the Patriots to claim their first-ever back-to-back title.
In this entertaining game, Adonis Filer finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the electricians past their rivals and clinch their third consecutive historic title. Axel Mpoyo added 18 points including 4 three-pointers. Cleveland Thomas, Olivier Shyaka, and Pitchou Manga scored 15, 14, and 12 points respectively. However, they had no support from the bench as they only had 2 bench points.
On the side of the Patriots, Kendall Gray had a double-double performance, 18 PTS & 15 REBS while Ntore Habimana and Marcus Crowford Christopher scored 13 points a piece.
Having defeated their arch-rivals, REG BBC confirmed their participation in the Basketball Africa League for a second consecutive season. They will be looking to improve on their performance from last year when they reached the quarter-finals.
Ron Weiss, The CEO of Rwanda Energy Group celebrating with fans following a successful season as they (both men and women) defended the Rwanda Basketball League titles | courtesyThe atmosphere was absolutely electric in BK Arena
Next on the agenda, on September 24, 2022, in BK Arena, the local Basketball governing body together with their partners organized the All-star game festive to climax the Basketball season. the awards ceremony will take place during this event.
Lugogo-based club KAVC-A welcomes league debutants Tigers VC with a 3-0 win at Old Kampala Sports Arena.
One could say that with a start like this, the club is back to its glory ways. 2 wins in 2 games with straight sets against UCU and Tigers is a start that KAVC men should keep up given the tight ranking rules to secure a playoff spot.
The addition of 4 players including, the National Team libero Emmanuel Elanyu from Nemo Stars, and middle blocker Ronald Odyek from Nkumba seems like a move paying off for the Lugogo club.
Tigers on the other hand are playing for the first time in the top flight league. The cold welcome from KAVC is a clear indicator for the Nsambya boys that a lot more preparations have to be made.
Tigers under head coach Malik Ddamulira are connected to high-profile club Sport-S and it should be no surprise if their stats improve later in the league. Tigers lost 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 26-24).
The Nsamya boys return today against the University side UCU and KAVC will play Nkumba Navy when the league returns in the week 2 game starting next month.
In other men’s games, former league champions Nemo Stars had their work cut against KCCA. The latter was the favorite to win the match but Nemo forced a decisive to share points and register the first NVL 2022/2023 win. UCU took back home maximum points from SKY after a 3:0 win.
In women’s games, VVC was faced with a rough hurdle in playing against Espoir VC. The former has parted ways with very crucial players like former captain Joan Tushemirirwe, who joined KCCA. However, VVC played won the battle in a 3:2 result.
For full National Volleyball League results, follow the links here, men and women
The Japan Karate Association, JKA has launched the fourth technical seminar and Dan grading in Rwanda. The seminar is conducted by Kamino Masaru Sensei, the 8th Dan holder.
Friday, September 16, 2022, at Notre Dame des Anges Primary school, a karate seminar to raise the local instructor’s level was launched and attracted around 120 individuals.
The JKA technical seminar will enhance the local masters’ skills of classic karate, a modern teaching method of Shotokan style, and also It is expected to increase the needed skills that will improve the quality of Karate in Rwanda.
To open the seminar, Guy Didier Rurangayire, the chairman and chief instructor at JKA-Rwanda, backed this seminar to focus on the general knowledge of karate, reshuffling, and imparting technical skills, and then evaluation of trainees.
Due to the pandemic that halted almost all events, this seminar also did not take place in 2020 and 2021. However, Rurangayire confidently said that the event will be organized every year.
He said ”Due to the pandemic, it was not possible to organize the seminar in the last two years. However, today, we are hosting the fourth edition and we believe that it will be organized on annual basis from today”
In her speech, Yukako Ochi, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda highlighted the role of Karate in building a good relationship between Japan and Africa particularly Rwanda.
Yukako Ochi and Guy Didier Rurangayire at the launch of 4th seminar in Kigali | September, 16, 2022
She added, “Japan has been using the world partnership to express our stand on what we want to build between Japan and Africa.”
Mrs. Ochi continued: “Thanks a lot for Karatekas’ hard work here in Rwanda, Karate has been gaining much respect from all the corners of the country and has attracted a lot of Rwandans for several decades. “
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Sensei Kamino and other Senior Senseis here today for their good dedication. At the same time, I would like to mention that Sensei Guy [Rurangayire] was awarded ambassador commendation for his contribution to our relations last July when we celebrated the 60th anniversary of relations between Japan and Rwanda” said Mrs. Yukako Ochi
Sensei Kamino, 8th Dan, is one of the 7 members of the technical committee of the Shihankai commission of the Japan Karate Association.
He heads a group of Japanese experts, namely: Kamino Takahiro (his son and 6th Dan holder), Haraguchi Shosuke (5th Dan), Ogusu Koichi (6th Dan), Dr. Nakamishi Koji (Wado 2nd Dan), and Dr. Harano Kazuyoshi (5th Dan) who will be conducting the seminar.
The seminar will last up to five days
The JKA seminar is taking place at Remera, in Notre Dame des Anges Primary school gymnasium, from September 15-20, 2022. It is aimed to build capacity for local instructors and promote them in the Dan ranking system.
Around 120 senior Karatekas are pursuing the trainings
Kenneth Gasana played a vital role in a Patriots win against REG BBC on September 14, 2022 | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
September 14th, 2022, In BK Arena, the Patriots tied the 5-game series at 2-2 to force the final decider in the Rwanda Basketball League, RBL Men’s Playoffs.
Kenneth Hubert Gasana displayed a truly awesome offensive performance in a do-or-die contest that lead to the Patriots’ victory over REG BBC. The 78-65 win means a game 5 in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Playoff-finals will now determine who takes RBL title bragging rights.
Things seemed easy for REG BBC before this game as they had taken a 2-1 lead with only one more to clinch a second consecutive RBL title. However, the Patriots led by Kenneth Hubert Gasana were not ready to go down without putting up an even better fight.
Patriots reacted to beat their rivals 78-65 (14-11, 27-10, 15-22, and 22-22) to push the battle to the last day. Gasana scored a team-high 18 points to go with 10 assists and complete a double-double in this must-win game. Ntore Habimana, Steven Hagumintwari, Dieudonne Ndizeye, Kendall Gray scored in double digit too. Habimana dished 6 assists and grabbed 9 rebounds.
REG’s Axel Mpoyo led all scorers with 19 points. The power forward grabbed 10 rebounds too. Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza contributed 16 points.
Axel Mpoyo scored a game high 19 points
The deciding game 5 is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, at BK Arena.
In the women’s category, REG Women BBC overcame APR BBC to clinch the title for a second consecutive season. REG defeated APR 63-54 to make it 3-1 in the best-of-five series. Ines Nezerwa was outstanding once again, scoring 26 points and grabbing 17 rebounds
Rwanda Energy Group Women Basketball Club are the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Champions | Photo: Innocent SHEMAREG Women BBC Center, Mireille Nyota Muganza has been awarded the Most Valuable Player of 2022 league season. The Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju handed the award
REG Women BBC pocketed 10 Million Rwandan francs and will represent Rwanda in the next year’s Zone V championship.
After an astounding display at the National Volleyball League launch, NVL, volleyball lovers know this season is going to be filled with terrific action.
From the coaches to the clubs, to the players, NVL 2022/2023 is going to be a season for the history books. The curtain raiser event started at the prestigious National Club Championship last week in Iganga.
The tournament was hosted by NVL defending champions Orange Block Busters where acclaimed club Nemo Stars failed to leave the group stages after competition rules caught them off guard.
Nemo Stars don’t seem to have that winning touch with them yet as they once again lost to Ndejje Sharks, a team that beat them at the NCC in Iganga.
KCCA side pulled out of the NCC tourney the of the technical meeting prior to the serve-off despite players traveling to the venue. Head coach Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo’s hurdles were not yet over when her ladies faced head coach Ronnie Kitosi’s side Ndejje Elites at the league launch last weekend.
KCCA Volleyball Club Head Coach, Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo
The Match ended 3:1 to the delight of the NVL defending champions the Elites. A double victory for Ndejje University.
OBB men on the other hand are also not looking good this season. After losing 3:0 to Sport-S in Iganga, head coach Yakana Lawrence parted with the club.
As that was not enough damage for the club, they played their NVL 2022/2023 opener against Sport-S, and head coach Warren with his men gave the Iganga boys no ounce of room for victory. 3:0, the final score.
Sport-S’ Shirt number 12, Micheal Mangon from South Sudan played receiver attacker and was quite instrumental in executing the plan to destroy OBB last night.
New Kid On The Block Micheal Mangon
OBB Ladies continue to impress as they played against former champions KCB-Nkumba and won 3:2. The ladies from Iganga have already tested Serie A teams and as debutants in the top flight league, a lot is expected from them.
Ground-Sports will have full coverage of this season so be sure sure to follow the league at the links here. Men’s League and Women’s League
The National Volleyball League, NVL returns this weekend, a week after the recently concluded National Club Championships.
It was all out clashing in Iganga last weekend as clubs were competing for the title of the National Club Championship. Defending champions in the men’s category, Sport-S Volleyball Club once again displayed dominance after going unbeaten losing no set in the entire tournament.
The Nsambya-based Club ended their previous seasons on a sad note after shirt 11, Rukundo’s injury that affected the entire team towards playoffs. The number 11 was at it again breaking through blocks after full recovery.
Sport-S played the NCC final against host OBB and in a big statement win, the former will be a force to reckon with come the start of the NVL.
Nemo Stars, a renowned club in the league did not make it out of the group stages in this prestigious tournament. Nevertheless, the former league champions return this weekend with a lot on the table.
League defending champions Orange Block Busters have a lot to prove this season given the history they wrote in the NVL 2021/22. The club also recently parted ways with head coach Yakan Lawrence. It should be noted the Rwandese international helped the side win the league and a number of accolades in his one-year tenure.
The Iganga-based club does not seize to surprise volleyball fans as the lady’s team is also making unprecedented history. As new league entrants in the women’s Serie B, the side continued to win the league and later won the NCC Women’s title after a match played against Sport-S.
Women’s Serie B Champions OBB
Coming from a less competitive Serie B and playing against Serie A contenders in the NCC is a good test for the ladies. Straight from Serie B to representing the country at the African Club Championships is quite a big challenge for the OBB Ladies
Saturday 10th, September 2022 NVL Fixture.
Women
Sport-S VS KAVC-A – 9:00 am
KCB-Nkumba VS OBB – 1:00 pm
Ndejje Elites VS KCCA – 5:00 pm
Men
Ndejje VS Nemo Stars – 11:00 am
KAVC-A VS UCU – 3:00 pm
Sport-S VS OBB – 7:00 pm
Crawford dribbling past Cleveland Thomas in 2022 RBL Playoff finals | Courtesy Photo
In a way to tip-off the Rwanda Basketball League Playoff-Finals in style, Marcus Christopher Crawford took care of business with 27 points and 10 rebounds, as Patriots defeated the defending champions 75-70 and took a 1-0 lead in best-of-five series.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 in BK Arena, Rwanda Energy Group Basketball team continues the quest to defend the league title. However, They have a serious mountain to climb in this serie as their opponent may just be too good to allow that to happen.
With Manga Pitchou back in Roster, REG BBC started well in the first two quarters, leading Patriots by 9 points at the break (23-17, 20-17). Nevertheless, the electricians hadn’t witnessed the real Crawford yet.
With the crowd’s help, Crawford and Patriots came out of the locker room with an imperial domination to close the gap to three points, 61-58. In the last 10 minutes of game, Patriots with the same energy completed a comeback and won the game 75-70. Patriots now leads 1-0 in the best-of-five series.
Patriots’ new guard, Marcus Christopher Crawford came up big to drop a monster double-double performance of 27 points and grabbed 10 boards. He poured in 5 three-pointers in 11 attempts and dished out 2 assists to his teammates. Steven Hagumintwari and Kenneth Gasana contributed 18 and 13 points respectively.
On the side of REG BBC, Adonis Filer (17), Manga Pitchou (11) and Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (14) scored in double-digits.
For the Rwanda Basketball League, Crawford becomes the first player ever who has featured in an NBA summer games to play in this league
Christopher Crawford’s double-double led Patriots to victory over REG BBC in 2022 RBL Playoff finals | Courtesy Photo
The American guard went undrafted in 2014 but in the same year, he appeared in the Houston Rockets summer league team. He later joined Cleveland Cavaliers in preseason games, but unfortunately waived before the start of season.
In Africa, Crawford played for US Monastir in BAL inaugural season before joining SLAC in the second edition. He is now in Rwanda to help Patriots overcome their long time rivals and back to continental competitions.
The second game is scheduled this Saturday, September 10 in BK Arena. Will the Patriots extend the lead or will the REG BBC pull one game back and level the series? A must-watch game for a Basketball fan in Rwanda as REG BBC want to reclaim their throne at the peak of RBL and represent the country in Basketball Africa League.
In women’s category, Burundian International, Ines Nezerwa’s huge day leads the REG Women BBC to a win over APR WBBC. Nezerwa also know as Giti dropped 21 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked 5 shoots. Odile Tetero added 15 points in the 60-57 narrow win against former champions, APRW BBC
Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa scored 16 points for APR and provided 5 assists. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday
