Forward Raneem Elgedawy leads Egypt’s charge toward a spot in the FIBA Afrobasket 2023 Women’s Championship.
Ebony Hoffman’s South Sudanese team fell to Egypt in the first match of the Zone 5 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers at MTN Arena Lugogo, behind by 15 points. The Egyptians, led by Ehab Elalfy, made no mistake in leading the game after three quarters.
Raneem Elgedawy after playing 23 minutes scored a game-high 23 points. The forward has represented Egypt in several international events, including the FIBA World Championships and the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.
Raneem Elgedawy’s expertise helped her team beat South Sudan, who ramped up the tempo in the fourth quarter to reduce the gap but not enough to win the game.
South Sudan, which is just in its second outing, was led by Adut Bulgak, who recorded a double-double of 16 points and 23 rebounds in Egypt’s 83-68 triumph.
In another game, host Uganda fell to the Kenya Lionesses, the defending FIBA Africa Zone 5 champions, 61-53. Fan support for the Gazelles was not enough to stop George Mayienga’s charges. Mercy Wanyama led the scorecard for Kenya with 15 points.
Photo Credit: FIBA
Games lined up today. Rwanda VS South Sudan – 17:00 EAT.
Egypt VS Uganda – 19:30 EAT.
Rayon Sports beat APR FC for the first time since 2019
Rayon Sports defeats APR FC in an exciting 1-0 victory thanks to Eric Ngendahimana’s goal. A first victory over their bitter rivals in four years
February 12, 2023, Rayon Sports put their recent League woes behind them to end APR FC’s head-to-head dominance in an exciting and heated encounter at Huye Stadium.
Rayon came into the game 4 points behind APR following their worst form, having only won one of their previous six games. However, for derbies or classicos, form doesn’t matter. Things are on a knife point.
The blues have almost all first team players avaliable for selection for the first time this season. Only Raphael Osaluwe and Samuel Ndizeye were not available due to injuries.
In the game, it was an opportunity for APR to extend the lead at the top of the table to four points. Though they blew the title race wide open by suffering their second defeat of the season.
Eric Ngendahimana’s goal was all that separated the two teams on a frantic afternoon at Huye Stadium. The result sees Rayon Sports move up to fourth place and leaves them one point behind APR FC at the top of the league. Ngendahimana’s goal was assisted by Heritier Nzinga Luvumbu in 33 minutes.
It had been 4 years since they have tasted victory against their arch rivals. That’s 7 games, including the Peace Cup games
APR still lead the way at the top of the League with 37 points. AS Kigali, Gasogi, and Rayon Sports follow with 36 points apiece. For more details about fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link
Gikundiro fans were in joyous mood at the end as they celebrated a victory they always relish.
This is how both teams lined up
APR FC XI: Pierre Ishimwe, Omborenga Fitina, Claude Niyomugabo, Prince Buregeya, Clement Niyigena, Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Djabel Manishimwe (c), Ramadhan Niyibizi, Lague Byiringiro, and Yannick Bizimana
Rayon Sports XI: Adolphe Hakizimana, Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru, Junior Didier Mucyo, Abdul Rwatubyaye (c), Isaac Mitima, Eric Ngendahimana, Eric Mbirizi, Onana Léandre, Ojera Joackiam, Heritier Luvumbu, and Musa Esenu.
Steven Hagumintwari drops 20 points to help Patriots won their eighth consecutive game by beating the APR BBC 67-60 on Saturday night. APR’s winning streak come to an end at six games
KIGALI, February 12, under the lights of newly refurbished Basketball indoor facility, Patriots BC sends a statement in title race by defeating one of the championship’s favourite
The Army side led 23-16 after first quarter. However, Henry Mwinuka’s side turned things around and held them to 9 points in second quarter. 23-9
APR tried to cut the deficit in third quarter (16-11) and enter in last 10 minutes with a 2 points difference (48-50) but the Patriots restored the seven points lead to end the game at 67-60
An ugly offensive showing cost the Cliff Owuor’s coached side, as they fell to a direct opponent. It was the APR’s lowest scoring of the season so far. They failed to find any sort of rhythm on the offensive end, shooting just 25-of-70 from field goal including 4-of-23 from behind the arc.
Patriots’ forward Steven Hagumintwari scored a game high 20 points, Dieudonne Ndizeye added 17 points, Kendall Gray 13 points while the captain, Aristide Mugabe scored 10 points off the bench.
On the side of APR, Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in this game, Fula Nganga and Elie Kaje contributed 17 and 12 points respectively
2nd Lt Ian Kagame, Rwandan first son and APR Basketball Player during the warm up before the game
The Patriots are leading after 9 games, with 8-1 win ratio and they are now extending their winning streak to eight games. APR’s unbeaten run has been snapped after six games, they will be looking to bounce back next week when facing the defending champions, REG BBC
A day after innauguration, LDK Gymnasium started to host local Basketball big events | Photo: Newtimes
For more fixtures, results, and standings about Rwanda Basketball League follow this link
Newly renovated indoor facility at Lycée de Kigali
KIGALI – The NBA Africa unveiled renovated Basketball facility at Lycée de Kigali School, Nyarugenge, on Friday, February 10 as part of their positive cooperation with Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA
The ceremony marked a special day for the Rwandan Basketball Ecosystem as they got to enjoy a newly refurbished Basketball indoor court. The facility will help more than 4,000 young people from Kigali and nearby to learn Basketball in great atmosphere
The renovated facility, which includes an indoor basketball court, team locker rooms, washing rooms, medical room, coaching staff facility were unveiled at an opening ceremony that was followed by a basketball contest of Junior NBA U 16 boys and girls.
Hon. Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, The Rwanda’s Minister of Sports opened the new facility with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, inviting the NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams, The Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Gaspard Twagirayezu as well as Mr. Desire Mugwiza, The President of Rwanda Basketball Federation to the podium to speak about the completed project
L-R: Desire Mugwiza, FERWABA PRESIDENT, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, The Minister of Sports, Victor Williams, CEO of NBA Africa, and Dr. Gaspard Twagirayezu, The Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education | Photo: FERWABA
In his welcome remarks, Desire Mugwiza, FERWABA President thanked the stakeholders for working together to make this happen
“We are grateful for the commitment of all partners joined to the journey of developing Basketball in Rwanda. The renovation to upgrade LDK gymnasium is the result of collaborative efforts of NBA Africa, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, the city of Kigali and Rwanda Basketball Federation.” Said Desire Mugwiza
In her words, the sports minister emphasized that the initiative is in line with the sports policy
“It is an initiative that we are quite proud of. In compliance with the sports policy, the ministry of sports must take all reasonable steps to improve the infrastructure in both schools and residential areas. We are pleased they built such a top-notch with the international standards” Said Honorable Munyangaju
Victor Williams, the CEO of NBA Africa, who played a significant role in the building of that Gymnasium, declared that it is another step forward in the growth of basketball in Rwanda, especially in the youth.
He said “The infrastructure is important but more important is the ability to use the infrastructure for programs and activities going forward. so, we look to our partners to create a program that will allow all of young people to use the court in for play as well as for competition.”
He continued “The Jr NBA is the program that the NBA has specifically designed to involve young people in the game of basketball and to teach them the game from an early age to allow them to develop their basketball skills and to grow to learn the game and to fulfil their potential in sports.”
“You see the logos of the junior NBA here are here today, and I want to point out that the logo includes the logo of the NBA which is a world-class men’s professional league as well as the logo of the WNBA the Women’s National Basketball Association which is the best professional basketball league for women. And so today I’m very pleased to see all the young girls and women who are here today, this court is your court as well and you should use it and enjoy it as much as the boys do” –Victor Williams, CEO of NBA Africa
The opening ceremony came hours before the UGB took the court against Orion for the first Rwanda Basketball League game hosted by the facility. It was an honor for UGB to open the court because of their Lycée de Kigali roots (UGB was founded in Lycée de Kigali). They did not take anything for granted as they defeated Orion 66–63.
The 1500-seat facility has been under construction since October 2022 thanks to a collaboration between NBA Africa and Rwanda Basketball Federation. It cost estimably 200 M Rwandan Francs
Jr NBA programs will use the facility to raise the young Africans’ talent
Dr. Sarr guiding the girls in training session [Archive] | Courtesy Photo
The Rwanda women’s National Team keeps up its training in anticipation of the “FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Women Qualifiers” competition, which will take place in Uganda from February 14–19, 2023.
Dr. Cheikh Sarr and his assistant Patrick Habiyambere, have been managing the squad in a residential camp since February 1, 2023. They stay at the Sainte Famille Hotel and practice at the Stecol indoor facility twice a day.
The Rwandan squad seeks to use this Zone V Afrobasket event to ramp up preparations for the FIBA Afrobasket 2023 women’s championship games, which are set to take place in Kigali from July 28th to August 6th, 2023. Rwanda has an automatic ticket as the host country, thus they opted to employ local players throughout the qualifications to gauge their ability.
The Zone V Afrobasket Women’s Qualifiers will be held in Kampala’s Lugogo Indoor Stadium from February 14th to February 19th. In addition to Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, and hosts Uganda will compete in the event.
Rwanda will compete in the FIBA AFROBASKET for the third time, having previously competed in Madagascar in 2009 and Mali in 2011.
The team will leave for Kampala on Sunday, February 12.
Here is the 14-woman training camp roster:
Faustine Mwizerwa, Odille Tetero, Laurence Imanizabayo, Ramla Umunenzero, Rosine Cisse Micomyiza, Martine Umuhoza, Chantal Ramu Kiyobe, Assouma Uwizeye, Jane Dusabe, Jordan Umuhoza, Sandrine Mushikiwabo, Nadine Rutagengwa, Nelly Akariza, and Charlotte Umugwaneza.
Patriots BC beat Espoir 83-61 at Stecol indoor facility
Espoir BBC have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season following Sunday‘s 83-61 defeat at the hands of the Patriots. 48 hours after another defeat against APR BBC.
After getting blown out by APR BBC in Friday night game, 80-35, Espoir BBC’s effort to bounce back immediately came up too short in front the league giants, Patriots BC.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 At Stecol Indoor facility, The Patriots controlled the contest from start to finish, picking up a well-deserved win in a huge game from their star players. Steven Hagumintwali, Sedar Sagamba, Bello Nkanira, and Bienvenu Niyonsaba, all scored double digits in tonight’s 83-61 win.
Bello Nkanira finished with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the win, Bienvenu Niyonsaba had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Steven Hagumintwari and Sedar Sagamba contributed 16 and 10 points respectively.
Heritier Irumva led Espoir BBC with 16 points, while Yamin Niyubahwe added 11 points and grab 13 rebounds.
The Patriots improve to 6-1 this season. They will rub shoulders with Tigers in their next game
After losing two consecutive games and had their five-game win streak snapped, Espoir will be back on court next Sunday, in yet another challenge against the defending champions, REG BBC.
Elsewhere, REG BBC extended their winning streak to six games with a 92-60 victory over the United generations Basketball (UGB)
For more details about Rwanda Basketball league, follow this link
The action between College Sainte Marie Reine Kabgayi and College du Christ Roi on Saturday, February 4, 2023
Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B serves off after three years covid halt. 19 teams across the different districts take part in the league
The Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B organized by Rwanda’s governing body of volleyball is underway featuring 19 teams in the men’s and women’s categories, with teams from Nyanza leading the way after day one games.
During the league’s official launch ceremony on February 4, the mayor of Nyanza district, Erasme Ntazinda, along with Florent Habyarimana, a delegate from the Ministry of Sport, and Philbert Mucyo, Secretary of the Volleyball Federation, officially opened two volleyball courts built at Nyanza Technical Secondary School. The modern volleyball courts were constructed in collaboration with partners.
The ceremony to inaugurate two Volleyball courts at Nyanza TSS. Erasme Ntazinda, second from left, Philbert Mucyo (Green t-shirt), Florent Habyarimana (white shirt), and Dr. Sylvestre Mbanza (in red shirt) | Photo: FRVBGreetings from FRVB SG Philbert Mucyo and distinguished guests to Nyaruguru VC | Photo: FRVB
Most of the day-one games took place in the southern province which is considered as Rwanda’s volleyball development hub.
In opening games, at 10 am, College Sainte Marie Reine Kabgayi hosted College du Christ Roi from Nyanza and the latter had no mercy for the host. College du Christ Roi handled the business well with no set dropped. (25-15, 25-15, and 25-19).
College Sainte Marie Reine, one of the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B newcomers put in a terrific effort in their second game but still fell short against Gitisi TVET. However, this time, they managed to get a set. (23-25, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25)
On the other side, Nyanza TSS comfortably overcame Nyaruguru VC 3-0. (25-18, 29-27, 25-17) in Nyanza district to register the first points of the campaign.
Nyanza TSS took home advantage and beat Nyaruguru VC. (Nyanza TSS in blue and white jerseys) | Photo: FRVB
Nyanza TSS had to play a youthful, skilled team in Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis (PSVF) in their second game of the day, in a mouthwatering game to cap off Saturday activities. They successfully defended their brand-new home court by defeating PSVF in three straight sets (25-20, 25-23, 25-23) with the help of their bunch of supporters.
In women’s category, at Groupe Scolaire Saint Joseph Kabgayi, Muhanga, The Institut Sainte Famille Nyamasheke all the way from western province, shocked the host and defeated them 3-1 sets.
1st set: 25-22
2nd set: 15-25
3rd set: 21-25
4th set: 20-25
For the first time after being put on hold in 2020 owing to the covid-19 outbreak, the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B has now resumed after a three-year hiatus. In this season, the 14 men’s teams have been split into two groups.
Group A: Collègue du Christ Roi Nyanza, Gisagara Volleyball Academy, Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare, Collège Ste Marie Reine Kabgayi, Collège St Ignace Mugina, UR-CST, Gitisi TVET
Group B: Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis Karubanda, Nyaruguru Volleyball Club, Nyanza TSS, Groupe Scolaire Saint Joseph Kabgayi, Rusumo High School, UR-CAVM, and Ecole Secondaire Ste Trinité Ruhango
While G.S St Aloys Rwamagana, Institut Ste Famille Nyamasheke, G.S St Joseph Kabgayi, Ecole Ste Bernadette Kamonyi, and UR-Busogo will contest in the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B women’s category.
REG Volleyball Club, The Winners of 2023 National Heroes' day tournament | Courtesy Photo
The reigning Rwanda National League champions, REG VC and APR W-VC in the men’s and women’s categories, triumphed in the Heroes’ Day tournament too. A two-day tournament to honor Rwanda’s National Heroes.
The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honor, CHENO began heroism week on January 20, 2023, under the theme “Our heroism, our dignity”. As Rwandans approach this year’s Heroes Day on February 1.
Chancellor’s Office together with the federations organizes yearly competitions in various sports in an effort to uphold the culture of bravery. In a two-day volleyball event, the top four teams from the recently ended men’s and women’s leagues squared off at Kimisagara Gymnasium.
In the semifinals, REG VC reached the final after defeating Forefront 3-2, while Gisagara VC beat APR VC 3-0, in the matches that took place on Saturday, January 28
In the women’s category, APR WVC defeated Ruhango in three straight sets with ease before RRA fell to Forefront in a nail-biting five-set match.
Sunday, the last day of the competition, Forefront finished third after defeating APR VC, and RRA defeated Ruhango in the women’s. Both match winners were decided in three sets.
The situation was different in the finals, as a deciding set determined the winners.
In a very exciting game, APR W-VC defeated Forefront in a five-set battle (25-20, 25-27, 25-20, 20-25, and 15-12) to win the 2023 National Heroes Volleyball Tournament.
APR Women Volleyball Club
In the men’s category, Gisagara was missing key players, the brothers Flavien Ndaimukunda and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu who lost their mother last week, adding to the injured Sylvestre Ndayisaba.
Regardless of the venue, REG VC and Gisagara VC contests always draw a large crowd. | Courtesy Photo
REG VC won the first two sets swiftly (25-17, 25-18), but Fidel Nyirimana’s Gisagara team didn’t give up. They put in a lot of work to win the following two sets (25-17, 25-20). However, despite their best efforts, they fell in the fifth set 10-15.
This competition was not held for 2 years because of COVID-19. Last time, 2019, UTB won in both categories.
Rayon Sports beat Musanze 4-1 at Muhanga stadium and moves to second place. Photo: Igihe
Rayon Sports’ dominating performance from start to finish today moves them up into second in the table as they stormed past Musanze FC 4-1 at Muhanga Stadium.
Rayon Sports hosted Musanze FC in their first match of 2023 at Muhanga Stadium. The Francis Haringingo-coached side was missing many regular players, as well as freshly signed Hertier Luvumbu, whose license has yet to be issued.
Rayon came into the game hoping to close the gap on league leaders AS Kigali and reclaim the title chase. The Blues had to rebound from three straight losses against the squad that upset them in the first leg.
Musanze defenders failed to clear Iraguha’s cross into the box, but Moussa Camara was on hand to feed through Isaac Mitima and put the Blues ahead after 13 minutes.
Six minutes later, Musanze’s Yaser Arafat’s pass found Namanda Wafula on the right flank, who sent a cross to Peter Agblevor. The Ghanaian attacker scored without hesitation. This is his sixth goal of the season. The teams went into the halftime break level.
Former Rayon Sports defensive midfielder Isaac Nsengiyumva scored an own goal six minutes after the interval, thanks to a superb cross from Elie Ganijuru to get the blues back in the lead
Felix Ndekwe’s free-kick struck the goal post and bounced to Eric Ngendahimana, who deposited the ball in the back of the net to give the home team an assurance goal in the 56th minute.
15 minutes later, Esenu made it 4-1 with a brilliant header from an Iraguha corner. He scored a free header to secure all three points for Gikundiro for the first time since December 4, 2022 against Bugesera at Kigali Stadium.
Rayon Sports victory puts them in second place on the standings, two points behind leaders AS Kigali. They will head to Huye for their next mission, which will be to fight Mukura. Musanze, who are now tenth in the standings, will face Rutsiro at Ubworoherane Stadium.
For more details about fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link
The NVL last weekend was surrounded with intense emotion after Nemo’s silencing and a University Derby.
As round 2 of the National Volleyball League, NVL returned after the Christmas break, KAVC came out to avenge their setback to Sport-S by taking revenge on a still struggling Nemo Stars.
In a 3-2 loss against Sport-S, Lugogo-based KAVC demonstrated incredible tenacity, but they clearly gave up in the deciding set, which finished 6-15. Despite the loss, KAVC forced Sport-S to drop two sets for the first time this season.
KAVC dominated long-time rival Nemo Star last weekend, winning 3-0. The latter fell to fourth place, barely one point ahead of UCU. The first set of the match was a disaster for the Nemo Stars. They gained momentum in the second and third sets but were not well-equipped to win KAVC. The final scores were 25-14, 25-20, and 25-22. Watch Full Match here
The weekend’s match to watch was between Ndejje Sharks and UCU. When university clubs compete in the NVL, it is usually a derby, and the two clubs are no exception. Angiro Kau of UCU gave Ndejje a run for their money. UCU got the most points thanks to the youngster.
Spoils concluded 3-2 in favor of UCU, earning the Luwero-based team a point. This outcome puts three teams, the Nemo Stars, UCU, and Ndejje, in a tight race for the fourth berth in the playoffs. Although it is too early to draw conclusions, Nemo Stars is not performing well.
For more details about the NVL, follow the link here
