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NCC: OBB Ladies Worry More Experienced Sides As They Continue Writing History.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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Obb Ladies
The ladies from Iganga, OBB Super Queens continue impressing with that unbeaten run that has them emerge as tournament winners.

Under the guidance of head coach Protus Soita, the OBB Ladies side was one nut too hard for Malik Ddamulira’s side to crack. We have already witnessed the Iganga ladies go unbeaten in the National Volleyball League, NVL but against women’s teams in Serie B.

Obb Ladies
OBB Ladies Head Coach Protus Soita

“We anticipated it to be hard, but with winning the game one after the other is what has helped us come to this victory,” said head coach Protus Soita.

The National Club Championship was yet another contention, but this time against top-flight teams in the Serie A of the league. The Iganga ladies were not jittery despite these teams presenting more experience.

OBB Ladies finished the tournament with a 6-0 win/loss record after triumphantly defeating Espoir, Kampala University, and former league champions KCB-Nkumba in the group stages, KAVC in the quarter-finals, and NVL defending champions Ndejje Elites.

The ladies continued to win the tournament in the final match against Sport-S, 3-1. The latter secured the 3rd set and came into the 4th strong gaining a 5-point lead at some point in this set.

The Iganga ladies later took the lead at 14 – 13 and went on to win the match. However, the team that played to win the Serie B league was without the experience of new recruits, Maureen Mwamula, Faith Magole, and Jesca Kaidu.

The introduction of this trio means the ladies with come stronger in the top-flight league plus the wins over the weekend absolutely boosts thier confidence.

“I must say I am very happy for the women because they have listened to my advise that I have been giving them. I told the ladies it is now, do you want the men to go alone? So, challenge youself,” stated the club patron Mr. Kigundu Ahmed.

OBB men and women will represent the country at the African Club Championships.

In Eventful sports day in Rulindo, Special Olympics Rwanda celebrated 4th Eunice Shriver’s day

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Athletes and coaches carried a glimmer of hope to honor Special Olympics founder ,Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Special Olympics Rwanda celebrated its annual Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, The worldwide celebration in memory of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics movement. The event took place in Rulindo district with Athletes playing unified games.

September 2, 2022 – Rusiga sector in Rulindo district, the Special Olympics Rwanda organized an eventful sports day to celebrate and honor the life of the woman who founded the movement that empowers people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in a unified society, Eunice Kennedy Shriver

A day was marked by various sports activities including athletics and football which brought together students with and without intellectual disabilities at GS Rukingu. The cells tournament in football was also concluded where Bukoro defeated Kirenge to lift the trophy following a narrow win on penalties (3-2) as 90 minutes ended in a goalless draw.

GS Rukingu students with and without intellectual disabilities playing a Football game before the Bukoro vs Kirenge clash
People with intellectual disabilities can do athletics too
A matchup between Bukoro and Kirenge

In his remarks, the Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda, Pastor Deus Sangwa honored the legacy of Eunice Shriver and spoke out on how special the day is to remember her passing.

Pastor Deus Sangwa, the Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda

He said “Today is a very special day for Special Olympics on a global scale, more special in Africa, though in Rwanda we value it and celebrate in a very distinctive way since we celebrate Eunice Shriver’s legendary, the Special Olympics founder”

He continued by mentioning that Special Olympics Rwanda promotes inclusive sports and education for all and the will to continue collaborating with the Rulindo district to encourage inclusive education, love for the sport, and being active in general.

The SOR chairman concluded by passing a message to make society more inclusive for people with intellectual disabilities.

“We continue to encourage parents, relatives, and families not to exclude children with intellectual disabilities from their families and schools. They have to come out of solitude and joined others. That was the main idea of ​​Eunice Shriver.”

“People with intellectual disabilities have to be free of all hindrances. In our country no one should be excluded from sports or entertainment” Chairman Sangwa said.

Special Olympics Rwanda is a non-governmental 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 a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

SGI RISE UP CAMP climaxed at Cercle Sportif de Kigali

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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On Sunday, August 28th , 2022,  At Cercle Sportif de Kigali, the SGI RISE UP CAMP organized by Sports Genix International (SGI) Academy came to a climax with close to 500 children taking part.

These Children holiday camps coordinated by SGI Sports Academy, kicked off on July 4, 2022, and dealt with training and skills development in different sports including; football, basketball and karate.

According to the SGI Sports Academy founder and Chief Executive Officer, Guy Didier Rurangayire, they ultimately prepare children to become meaningful future competitors.

He said “The aim of our sports academy is to train children in a professional way to become the best athletes in future. We help young athletes progress through our youth ranks; as we started with children aged 9 and 10, we expect them to shine for teams and play at the professional level within 5 years.”

He continued, “In this recently concluded camp, we had 186 kids in karate, 160 in basketball, and 100 in football. So, around 500 children came regularly from Monday to Friday and the training sessions started from 9 am to noon in different age groups. Otherwise, we had 216 children who started in January when we launched this program.”

Guy RURANGAYIRE, Sports Genix International founder and Chief executive officer

CEO Rurangayire concludes by encouraging parents to bring their children to learn and develop their talents in different sports.

“I would urge the parents to join us. Firstly, have the willingness to be part of this initiative and then when you get the interest, become an SGI member through our social media platforms. All the details and necessities are available including the fees and I can assure we have properly set accurate and fair prices.” said Rurangayire.

The children showcase their talent in different sports in front of their parents

Normally, SGI Sports Academy was founded January, 2022, the training sessions are done three times a week at different hours. In Football, Basketball and Karate, the practices are scheduled every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

To climax the sportful camp, the best performers in every sport were awarded.

KARATE: Mouna Uwadata Irebe, Innocent Junior Uwimana, Nive Ineza Senga, Ines Gaella Mizero, and Katia Bwiza

FOOTBALL: Blessing RWAMUCYI IMENA, Elvis Blessed INEZA GANZA, Akiva IHIRWE, Nolan Timeo ISHAMI, and Joao KAMANA

BASKETBALL: Jared Karera, Laika Ganza, Daniella Niyomungeri, Kenny Cyusa, and Aimable Munezero

The best performers in all sports

RBL Playoffs: APR BBC rout REG BBC to force a game 3

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR
APR BBC captain, Ally Kubwimana Kazingufu tries to drive past Adonis Filer in RBL playoff matchup between APR BBC vs REG BBC | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
APR BBC forced a Game 3 in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League playoff semis, blowing out REG BBC 68-59 on Sunday night to level the best-of-three series at 1-1.

In the playoff series that started last Friday, APR BBC had a night to forget as they got humiliated and recorded a heavy loss against the defending champions. However, things were not the same as APR come into Sunday game very aggressive, put on a sensational defense to give the opponent no chance to lead any second of the game.

The former champions, APR BBC started the game on fire and ended the first quarter with a 10 points lead, 22-12. In this quarter, the Army side through Ally Kubwimana, put on an absolutely brilliant playmaking display, offensive transitions, and putting constant pressure on the opposing defense which left him with multiple passing options.

In the second quarter, the 2021-2022 league champions had to react. They cut the deficit to 6 points and went into break with 35-29.

APR come into the third quarter determined, lead the game again in the first six minutes, 49-36, APR’s biggest lead of the night. With Steven Emile Perriere and Ally Kubwimana on bench resting, the remaining four minutes were a nightmare for Cliff Owuor’s side.

Beleck Bell made a layup followed by Shyaka’s three pointer to make it 41-49 with 3 minutes to go. Axel Mpoyo put in another 2-point basket before he hit a back-to-back threes to tie the score and end the 3rd period with 49 points a piece.

In the last quarter, Balaban Darko orchestrated APR’s attack with unmatched brilliance to help his side finish the game on a high note 68-59. Darko put up 21 points, 13 rebounds.

It was a big game for Steven Emile Perriere too, who had 11 points and 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Central African Republic international was on incredible form in this game as he played a very competent defense.

Steven defends as REG BBC power forward, Olivier Shyaka looks for an opening in the game APR BBC overcome REG BBC to force a game 3 in RBL semi final playoffs | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

REG’s Cleveland Thomas and Axel Mpoyo scored 14 and 13 points respectively.

The defending champions were once again without Pitchou Manga (who is away on national team duties), leaving Kaje with the burden of being hyper-aggressive on the offensive end.

Game 3 is scheduled to tip off at 20:00 on Wednesday at Kepler Campus Basketball court

Following this APR hard fought win, Patriots will have to wait a few more days before they know which team they will face in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Finals.

The Patriots punched their ticket to the RBL Playoff Finals on Sunday evening with a sweep over the Tigers in yet another 73-51 easy win. They will have to wait until Wednesday August 31 to know their opponent in this year playoff finals.

The Rwanda Basketball League Playoff Finals will run from September 7-16 in the expected jam-packed BK Arena.

Kepler host Festive Friday night Basketball where the First Lady was in attendance.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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First Lady, Mrs Jeannette Kagame (in Middle) blessed the RBNL playoff games at Kepler. The Minister of sports, Mrs Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju and The Basketball Federation President Mr Desire Mugwiza were in attendance too
Kepler’s new Basketball court hosts the first ever league game to mark the start of the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs series. The event was graced by the attendance of H.E Jeannette Kagame, the first lady of Rwanda.

August 26, 2022, the Rwanda Basketball League playoffs semi-finals tipped off in both women’s and men’s categories. At Kepler campus in the Kinyinya sector, APR Women Basketball took on RP-IPRC Huye before REG BBC rubbed shoulders with APR BBC in arguably the most anticipated matchup of Friday night but ended in a one-sided result.

President Kagame’s sons following the game attentively at Kepler

In the first game, APR WBBC started off strong and took the lead early to end the first period with 21-9 against former champions, RP-IPRC Huye. The army side kept the momentum and went into the break with 41-26.

In the second half, the Fiston Shema-coached side fought back to cut the deficit but the gap was huge. They outscored APR (19-19, 11-10) and the game ended 69-56 in favor of APR WBBC. Betty Kalanga Tshinyangu was unstoppable as she led the scorers with 28 points, 13-16 FG.

APR WBBC’s Betty Kalanga (White, 8) displayed outstanding performance in the Friday night game against RP-IPRC Huye

On the side of IPRC Huye, young Violette Uwimpuhwe come off the bench to score a team-high 20-points in 26 minutes spent on the court. The 18-year-old girl’s improvement in this season is remarkable.

In the men’s game, Cameroon-born forward, Beleck Bell dropped 19 points to help the Rwanda Energy Group Basketball team take the lead in the best-of-three playoff series against APR BBC.

REG BBC won all four quarters and led by as many as 38 to grab an easy win. (16-14, 28-12, 15-6, 26-15) to make it 85-47. The score was tight in the first quarter before Cleveland Thomas arrived at the venue late to change the game for good and forever.

The American shooting guard scored 11 points including 3-pointers in 5 attempts. He played 17 minutes, however, Cliff Owuor seemed to have no solutions to stop him.

Cleveland Thomas Jr goes for a layup against Fiston Irutingabo of APR BBC at Kepler.

Elsewhere at Nyandungu, REG Women BBC defeated The Hoops Rwanda 71-47 while Patriots thrashed Tigers BBC 91-45.

All the eight teams in both categories will take to the floor on Sunday for a second game. all the games will take place at Kepler Campus except the RP-IPRC Huye vs APR WBBC matchup slated in IPRC Court, Huye district.

Kepler host the Festive Friday night Basketball

The RBNL finals will run from September 7-16 in the expected jam-packed BK Arena.

Photos Credit: Innocent SHEMA

AS Kigali kicked off the 2022/2023 season with a win over Etincelles

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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AS Kigali
Last Season league top scorer, Shaban Hussein netted a brace to help AS Kigali bag the three points of MD1 | Photo Credit: Jules Jully
AS Kigali, The Citizens begin the 2022/2023 Rwanda Premier League season with a 2-0 comfortably victory over Etincelles FC at Kigali Stadium on Friday afternoon.

NYAMIRAMBO, August 19, 2022, to mark the beginning of the 2022/2023 season, Hussein Shaban’s first-half brace was enough to give Cassa Mbungo’s charges all three points of match day one.

Cassa Mbungo handed league debuts to new signings Man Ykre, and Juma Laurence, while Saturo, Akayezu, Tuyisenge, and Nyarugabo started on the bench. Landry Ndikumana didn’t make the 20-man squad.

AS Kigali’s new signing, Laurence Juma (24) provided an assist in his RPL debut | Photo: Jules Jully

A great way to start the season for 2022/2023 Super Cup winners. Last season they finished third but with new signings, there is no doubt that they are serious title contenders.

Elsewhere Espoir FC beat Marines 1-0 to pick up their first win of the season too. Samson Irokan scored the solo goal on his debut at the Rusizi-based club. At Nyagatare, Sunrise defeated Police FC to remind football fans that they are back in the top-flight league.

Tomorrow, Rayon Sports host Rutsiro at Kigali stadium, and Kiyovu will travel away to Bugesera

Rwanda Premier League Match Day 1

19/08/2022

AS Kigali 2-0 Etincelles
Espoir FC 1-0 Marines
Sunrise 1-0 Police FC
APR FC 2-1 Musanze FC

20/08/2022

3pm, Gasogi United vs Mukura VS @ Kigali Stadium
        Rwamagana City vs Gorilla FC @ Ngoma Stadium
        Bugesera vs SC Kiyovu @ Bugesera Stadium
6:30 pm, Rayon Sports vs Rutsiro @ Kigali Stadium

Nelly Sandra and APR WBBC beat REG Women BBC in an eye-catching game. The unbeaten streak is no more!

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR's Nelly Sandra trying to dribble past Odile Tetero | Archive: FERWABA
The REG Women BBC’s winning streak won’t extend past ten games after they were handed a convincing defeat by the APR WBBC, 90-85, on Saturday evening at Club Rafiki. Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa put up a stellar offensive display, driving into the paint at will.

Saturday, August 6, 2022, Club Rafiki hosted one of the mouth-watering clashes of the Rwanda Women’s Basketball League between two Kigali giants. The former champions APR WBBC and the defending champions, REG Women BBC in an eye-catching offensive game of the season so far.

The defending champions started off the first quarter with a 10-0 run as APR didn’t have a point in like the first four minutes of the game. They ended the first period with a 24-13 lead, confidence that carried them through the second quarter, and hope to take an easy win to keep their remarkable unbeaten run.

Rwanda Energy Group team, led by coach Esperance Mukaneza won the second quarter and went into the break with a double-digit lead, 45-32.

After falling down in the first half, the 2018-2019 league champions turned things around with a huge third quarter, cutting the deficit to end the quarter score in a tie. 60 points a piece.

In this period, REG who had a chance to kill the game in the second quarter were dominated and it was obvious their fouls would cost them at the end.

Charles Mbazumutima’s APR come in last quarter with a very solid offensive approach. The opponent’s best players on the court were all one foul away from fouling out. Ines Nezerwa “Giti” (C) and Mireille Muganza (C) plus Odile Tetero (PG) each had 4 fouls with 5 minutes to spare. They drove into the paint too easily for the rest of the game since the electricians had no structural defense to stop them. Thus APR overcame REG to end their 10-game winning streak. Full-time REG Women BBC 85-90 APR BBC.

Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa led the way with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. Laurence Imanizabayo added 24 points while Betty Kalanga come off the bench to contribute 20 points, 8 rebounds, and expertly played perimeter defense to boot.

Sandrine Mushikiwabo scored a team high19-point for REG. Three starters (Ines, Odile, and Mireille) fouled out in the game while Ange Nelly Irakoze stepped onto the court after a one-year half knee injury.

APR WBBC finished the regular season on a positive note, 11-1. In case REG beat The Hoops next week, they will equally have the same win/lost ratio with APR. With head-to-head as a tie-breaker, REG will take first place since they beat them 55-43 in the first leg.

For more details about Rwanda Women’s Basketball League, follow this link

Rwanda falls to Mali in FIBA U-18 African Championship opener

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Mali's Abdramane Kanoute (Green) trying to pass Rwanda's Sano Rutatika
The Rwanda junior Basketball team fell to Mali, 49-67, in its opening game of the FIBA U-18 African Championship on Thursday, August 4, at Palais des Sports Mahamasina

ANTANANARIVO, August 4, 2022, Rwanda’s Under 18 Basketball team dropped its opening game in Group B at the 2022 African youth championship of National U18 teams.

The Malians started brilliantly and dominated the first two quarters to enjoy a comfortable 38-25 lead at halftime. They kept the momentum and held Rwandese to eight points in the third quarter to enter the last 10 minutes of the period with a 54-33 merit score.

The Rwandans came out hard in the final quarter determined to cut the deficit, however, the gap was huge. Mali ended the game with a 67-49 massive victory in Group B games.

Mali’s Amadou Doumbia led all scorers with 24 points, and he was the only Mali player to score in double-digit while Hubert Sage Kwizera had 13 points and 7 rebounds on the side of Rwanda. Dick Sano Rutatika added 13 points too.

Amadou Doumbia dropped a game-high 24 points to lift Mali past Rwanda, 67-49

Rwanda will be back on the court on Saturday, August 6th against Guinea. Mali faces Angola this Friday before clashing with Egypt on Saturday.

Mali, the defending champion, has been dominating Africa for quite a while since they established a consistent basketball youth program. They won the tournament’s last two editions and they are among the favorites in this year’s edition.

The finalists of the 2022 Edition will represent Africa in FIBA U19 World Championship slated in Debrecen, Hungary from June 24 to July 2, 2023

Photos: FIBA

RBL: RP-IPRC Musanze stun UR Huye to keep D1 survival hopes alive

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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RP-IPRC
RP-IPRC Musanze | Courtesy
RP-IPRC Musanze beat UR Huye 65-57 to maintain the high spirits and win a Rwanda Basketball League D1 relegation battle

RP-IPRC head coach Rene Sahabu and his IPRC Musanze boys have been under pressure in recent weeks as they have continued to linger in the relegation places.

Saturday, July 23, RP-IPRC Musanze, traveled to UR Huye with a mission to carry on their fight to stay alive in the Rwanda Basketball League division 1.

IPRC Musanze ended the 1st Quarter with a double-digit lead (10-20), but UR Huye ramped up the pressure to Musanze lads by holding them to 12 points in second quarter, heading in to the break with a tight score. 31-32

The Rene Sahabu coached side dominated the opponent in the last two periods to seal the win for good. 11-16, 15-17 and finish with an eight points difference. 57-65.

RP-IPRC Musanze small forward, Gislain Munyakazi has been fantastic in this season, and he put up yet another brilliant show, 21 points in the UR Gymnasium to give his side hope even if his team is desperate to keep him next season.

Speaking ground-sports.com after the game, the head coach highlighted the contribution of this young lad both defensively and offensively not only in this match but for the entire season.

“Gislain is a good player. He has improved a lot this season and I think you’ve seen how his versatility both offensively and defensively had a major impact on our game today. He’s a hardworking man, who understands and executes my game plans very well. If he continues in this path, he will surely be a great player” Said Coach Rene

Munyakazi has scored 304 points this season so far. He’s currently sixth on top scorer list behind Kamndoh Frank, Espoir Aganze, Thierry Munyeshuri, Pascal Niyonkuru and Jordan Yezakuzwe

Behind Munyakazi’s performance, Josue Tuyishime added 19 points, and Patrick Murwanashyaka had 7 points and 13 rebounds for Musanze.

On the side of UR Huye, Gabin posted a double-double (11PTS, 13 RBS ) and dished out 5 assists

In a post match interview with Rene Sahabu, He also upheld how special this game was for the relegation battle and the team’s approach to beat UR Huye at their own court.

He said,

 ” We have been preparing for this game for quite some good time. Everyone in this team knew the importance of this game, we don’t want to be relegated…we have to fight for our pride and today’s victory was a much-needed win.“

“We came in this game very determined, my boys fought, they showed character and at the end of the day, we came out victorious”

With the victory, the Musanze based club improves to 5-18 over the season and in their last two games of regular season, they will face Patriots and UR-CMHS.

RP-IPRC Musanze is a team that showcased young talents in Basketball and they always face challenges due to building a new team every season. The departure of Phenias Bagabo, Patrick Ngabonziza, Raphael Nzitonda, Patrick Rwema and many more, affected the team’s performance to the level of fighting for relegation. Things that they have to live with it since the coach is not assured of the continued services of key players like Munyakazi.

Kigali Titans promoted to Rwanda Basketball League

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Kigali Titans
Kigali Titans are promoted to Rwanda Basketball League following a successful 2022 D2 league Journey | courtesy
Kigali Titans join Orion Basketball Club in getting promoted from Division 2 League

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, The Titans earned a promotion to the Rwanda Basketball League next season after completing the sweep of Flame BBC in the Division two playoff Semifinals.

Cyrille Karima coached the side’s wrap-up game two of the best-of-three series 85-42 following an 81-40 game one win on Sunday, July 10 at Club Rafiki.

Kigali Titans will lock horns with Orion in the finals. Both teams have not yet tested a loss this season as The Titans push their league record to a perfect 11-0 while Orion is currently at 13-0.

The Proficient Albert Buhake led Orion to D2 promotion with an undefeated record. | courtesy

The finals in a best-of-three format, tips off Friday, July 22 at BK Arena. As a reminder, in February, The Titans beat Orion to win the FERWABA D2 Preseason tournament. Will history repeat itself or is it a good time for revenge?

Rwanda Basketball Federation launched a division 2 league this season and a total of 17 teams took part in this inauguration season competing for the 2 promotion slots.

With Kigali Titans and Orion convincingly securing the promotion to RBL, four teams are expected to be relegated from the top flight league. 30 Plus BBC, UR Huye, and UR-CMHS have already been mathematically relegated with almost six games still to play, while Rusizi and IPRC Musanze are fighting to avoid relegation

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