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APR BBC defeat Espoir BBC with a thrilling come-back win

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR Basketball Club | Archive photo/ FERWABA
APR Basketball Club erase a 16-point deficit to come back and beat Espoir BBC 84-75 at Club Rafiki. A much-needed victory before they take on IPRC Musanze and Patriots.

After falling behind 33-20 in the first quarter, Cliff Owuor’s APR made some adjustments and fought back in the second quarter to cut the Espoir’s rhythm, going into the break trailing by eleven. 54-43.

Army side, APR started off the third quarter with their best offensive players in Philippe, William, Armel, Steven, and Balaban on the court. The latter, 2.13 m, a Serbian centre used his size and height to attack the rim as Espoir’s Musinga’s spirit was beginning to dwindle.

With 4 minutes left in the third quarter, Robeyns William and Philippe Kubanatubane hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit and took the lead. 58-60 in front of Club Rafiki crowd supporting their home team.

Rafiki crowd didn’t disappoint as they kept pushing Espoir. Eric Shyaka hit a difficult mid-range shot with 22 seconds left in the third to put the score level. 66 points apiece.

Enock Isezerano’s foul with 1 second left sent Thierry Munyeshuri to the line. He made only the first and ended the third quarter with 1 point lead. 67-66 in favor of Espoir BBC.

Kenyan tactician’s team come from the short break very strong, playing strong defence in the last quarter, leading to offensive points and taking the lead to win against a scrappy and tired Espoir team. FT: 84-75 as APR BBC win/loss ratio improves to 14-3.

APR’s Robeyns William scored the team-high 21 points, Balaban Darko dropped 19 points in this Wednesday’s win over Espoir, added 17 rebounds and shot 8-of-9 from the field. His first ever double-double performance in Rwanda Basketball League.

Armel Sangwe and Philippe Kubanatubane contributed 13 and 15 points respectively.

On the side of Espoir, Thierry Munyeshuri scored a game-high 26 points in the loss whilst Fabrice Muhoza aka Musinga had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Speaking to Ground Sports after the game, APR BBC head Coach, Cliff Owuor appreciated the effort the team put in last night after falling far behind in the first quarter to come back and clinch the win against a highly-determined Espoir.

“We noticed these boys were running a lot and other than running, this was their home court. They shot the ball well…Almost all their attempts counted, everything they were putting up counted.  So, we had to adjust to make sure that we force them to put the ball on the floor as in not to shot the ball in three, then in case they shot the ball, box out well,” Cliff Owuor said

He continued, ”we didn’t have to rush the ball because that was keeping them in tempo. We had to organize our game and just come in score 2 points if we got 2 points, 3 points if we have 3 points. And eventually, we overcame a deficit, took the lead and managed it well. We are grateful.”

Despite the win, the former champions had notable absentees with centres, Marius Ntwali and Arnaud Nkusi both injured, and Victoire Mutabaruka preparing for an exam.

In the next assignment, they take on RP-IPRC Musanze before facing the giant’s Patriots. However, the Kenyan gaffer expects to bring back his centres to prepare for the Patriots game accordingly as the latter added big man Kendall Gray to the roster.

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link

REG BBC proves too much for APR, RBL Weekend Wrap.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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REG BBC proves too much for APR, RBL Weekend Wrap.
REG's Axel MPOYO (Red,14) come off the bench to register an amazing performance against his former club | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA
REG BBC smacked APR BBC with a huge statement win to the title while the battle for the 4th seed in the playoffs has gotten from Good to Impressive.

As the Rwanda Basketball League approaches the critical juncture, the battle for playoff positioning continues with the top three teams looking to secure high seeds while the race for fourth place is very tight too.

In a Friday Night much-anticipated game, the defending champions, REG BBC crushed title contenders APR BBC by 16 points in a statement victory that claims them as the constant league powerhouse.

The Army side with some new additions to upgrade the roster, headed into the half trailing with a double-digit score (13-20, 21-25), before Cliff Owuor’s side cut the deficit to 2 points in the third quarter. 53-55.

William Robeyns and Balaban Darko (77), some of APR’s New additions | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA

The numerous turnovers and poor defending in the last quarter cost the former champions the game as they were down 16 points, 62-78 at the end of the game.

APR’s Armel Sangwe scored a game-high 25 points while Axel Mpoyo came off the bench to lead the electricians to this vital win. He scored 19 points while shooting an efficient 77% FG

Currently, at the top, REG BBC Stands at 17-1, Patriots 14-1, and APR 13-3. If the teams finish the regular season tied, head-to-head will be the tie-breaker.

Earlier at the same venue, BK Arena, IPRC Kigali handled the United Generations Basketball in a 67-57 blowout victory to keep the 4th place finish hopes alive. An important win for John Bahufite’s team, making the battle for the best playoff seeds super close in the league. IPRC Kigali improved to 11-7, while their direct opponents, UGB is on 12-6, IPRC Huye 11-6, and Tigers 12-5.

Weekend Results

  • 08/07, UGB 57-67 RP-IPRC Kigali
               Patriots 122-42 UR-CMHS
              APR BBC 62-78 REG BBC
  • 09/07, RP-IPRC Huye 37-68 Patriots
              UR-CMHS 23-74 APR BBC
  • 10/07, RP-IPRC Musanze 48-72 UGB
              Rusizi BBC 61-65 Espoir BBC

The Hoops picked up two easy wins against URs in the women’s category. On Saturday, they defeated UR-CMHS 55-12 before heading to the south on Sunday to thrash UR Huye 125-31. An easy opponent for Rosine Micomyiza as she shoots from behind the arc as she wishes.

Micomyiza, also known as Cisse poured 30 points, all coming from beyond the arc in 15 attempts

Results

  • 09/07, RP-IPRC Huye 72-86 APR WBBC
               UR-CMHS 12-55 The Hoops
  • 10/07, UR Huye 31-125 The Hoops

REG Women BBC lead the league on the W/L ratio as they stand at 10-0, APR WBBC has 11-1, IPRC Huye 7-3, and The Hoops 7-4.

The Rwanda Basketball League, RBL action continues with matches taking place on Wednesday at Club Rafiki

Rwanda legend Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Aristide Mugabe
Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement | Courtesy Photo
The Patriots’ point guard, Aristide Mugabe may still be playing at a club level but his international career has officially come to the end.

KIGALI, June 30, Prior to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers window 3 games, The Patriots star revealed that he is retiring from Rwanda Basketball National team. Putting an end to 11 years of an incredible journey.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Mugabe thanks the Lord, federation, players and staff for the support given to realize his dreams.

Mugabe was the flag bearer for Rwanda at several occasions including three AfroBasket editions. In 2011 in Madagascar, 2013 in Côte d’Ivoire and 2017 in Tunisia, making him one of the most respected athletes in the country.

In the statement released, the veteran point guard is proud of what he helped the Rwanda National Team accomplish on the court. He said, “I am grateful and proud that I gave it all.”

Mugabe, 34, left a legacy not only on the court but off-court too. During the 2022 BAL Final games, BAL honoured Aristide Mugabe for promoting the sport on the continent.

Rwanda legend Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement
On the occasion of Africa Day, BAL honoured African NBA legends Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Ian Mahinmi plus Rwanda’s Aristide Mugabe | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

In 2021, With other famous Basketball personalities, Masai Ujiri, Luol Deng, Mark Tatum, and Mugabe were among the baby Gorilla namers. A great honour in a country of thousand hills.

Background

Aristide Mugabe started his Basketball journey in 2001 at EAV Ntendezi (high school) in Nyamasheke, a district in the Western Province of Rwanda. And his talent showed up soon to catch the eye of St Joseph Kabgayi scouts. In St Joseph, his potential manifested and started to shine at the high school level both in the country and in the East African region at large.

In 2007, Mugabe debuted his Basketball career in Rusizi BBC in Rwanda’s top-tier league. After two seasons, he joined Espoir BBC and two years later started to earn the National team call-ups.

In 2015, He signed for the Patriots and until now he is still loyal to this Kigali-based club where he serves as team captain. From 2013, he captained the National team until 2018.

February 26, 2022, in Dakar Arena, against Cameroon, Mugabe played his final international game for Rwanda.

Furthermore, history will remember him as the first captain to ever win a Basketball Africa League game. May 16, 2021, when Patriots beat Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers.

Why is Mugabe admirable by everyone?

Apart from his ability to lead the game, Aristide Mugabe is kind, friendly, and a team player. He can carry the team with his long-range shoots and his skills to dish the ball very effectively.

A great leadership quality. He captained Espoir to win the league four times in a row between 2012 and 2015, before leading the Patriots to yet another 4 league titles.

Mugabe and Espoir BBC, claimed the 2012 FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship in Kampala, Uganda, where he was named MVP.

There is no doubt that his character and success won the hearts of basketball lovers in Rwanda.

He is a legend!

FERWABA announces a new League sponsorship deal

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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FERWABA announces a new League sponsorship deal
FERWABA and Bralirwa signed a three-year partnership | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA
The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA announced a three-year partnership with Cheetah Energy drink. As per the terms of the agreement, Bralirwa, through Cheetah will be investing around 80 M Rfw per year into the league, taking the total value of the deal to 240 million Rwandan francs, and in return, advertise their products on Basketball courts.

A press conference was called at BK Arena on the afternoon of June 26, 2022, at which FERWABA President, Desire Mugwiza and the Bralirwa Managing Director, Etienne Saada were attending to unveil the new partnership between Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and the largest brewer and soft beverage company in Rwanda, Bralirwa.

FERWABA President confirms that Cheetah Energy drink will be the sponsor of the Rwanda Basketball League for three seasons, but with no naming rights.

In a very exciting way, The President of Rwanda’s governing body of Basketball, Mr Desire Mugwiza seized the opportunity given by Bralirwa to grow the Basketball game in the country.

FERWAFA President, Desire Mugwiza addressing the media | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

“This agreement comes at the right time. Cheetah is an energy drink … so, it’s an added energy in our league and in Basketball development in general. We don’t want this partnership to last three years, we want to hold it up longer. They won’t take naming rights though we look forward to having further discussions on this matter. However, they will advertise their products at all basketball courts,” Said Mugwiza

On the side of Bralirwa, Etienne Saada, the managing director, expressed his gratitude to support a game that doesn’t discriminate, a game that everyone is passionate about especially the youth.

Etienne Saada, Bralirwa Managing Director | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

He said “When my team proposed this sponsorship, for us, it was obvious because when you see what Basketball represents, it’s really very close to our values. Basically, it is a sport for everybody, especially the young, and we are here to talk about Cheetah, an energy drink for both men and women. We are really happy about this partnership.”

The money will help in the development of basketball, match official wages, and the prize money.

Bralirwa, through its brand Cheetah Energy Drink, is now the official RBL sponsor | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

While the league sponsor may have been sorted, the FERWABA boss is keen to hold talks with various interested companies as the Federation is still on the lookout for league naming & broadcasting rights holders.

The Rwanda Basketball League is currently in the second leg and the defending champions, REG BBC lead the way with 16-1. While APR WBBC tops the table in the women’s category with a 10-1 WL record.

D2: ITS Kigali beat Intare BBC in the regular season finale

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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D2: ITS Kigali beat Intare BBC in the regular season finale
ITS Kigali’s captain, Kevin Ishema dropped 33 points double-double in the FERWABA Division 2 regular season finale as ITS Kigali blew out Intare by a final score of 72-63. Unfortunately, they won’t make the playoffs.

Sunday, June 26, at Club Rafiki, in the biggest matchup of the weekend to complete the Rwanda Basketball League Division 2 regular season games, ITS Kigali takes down Intare BBC. A win that didn’t guarantee them a slot in the playoffs.

It was the last game of the season for the International Technical School of Kigali since they come in the match aware that whatever happens in the match, they cannot progress to the playoffs.

Holding the lead on the scoreboard throughout the entire game (17-12, 23-10, 18-15, and 14-26), ITS Kigali ended the season with some plenty to appreciate in the win over the APR Juniors, Intare.

Kevin Ishimwe, in 39 minutes played, scored 33 points on 13-29 shooting (4-10 from three), provided 3 assists, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 1 shoot. Pacifique Habyarimana “Boyka” had an incredible performance too, as he had a double-double (14PTS and 20 REBS).

Intare finished 3rd behind Inspired Generation and Elite in Group C. They join Kigali Titans and The Hoops Juniors of Group A, Orion, Wibena and Flame of Group B to complete 8 playoff teams.

Rwanda Basketball League D2 Playoff matchups will be announced in due course and the finalists will be promoted to the top-flight league.

 

Espoir BBC stun UR Huye, Musinga dunks 7 times

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Espoir BBC stun UR Huye, Musinga dunks 7 times
Espoir Basketball Club | 2022
Fabrice Muhoza “Musinga”, Charles Kayabiza, and Thierry Munyeshuri powered Espoir BBC to a 118-53 win, dropping a combined 62 Points. 5 Espoir players score in double-digits to lift them to the 10th win of the season. Their highest score so far for this season.

On June 25, Espoir BBC travelled to Huye district to face the UR Huye. Charles Kabayiza recorded a game-high 22 points as the Nyamirambo-based club led the entire way in a humiliating 118-53 win over the University of Rwanda, Huye campus.

In a very entertaining performance, Fabrice Muhoza known as Musinga dropped 20 points while shooting 83% from the field including 7 dunks. UR completely failed to defend him as he finished the game with 10-12 Field Goal. Thierry Munyeshuri added 20 points, Donatien Kimenyi 19 points, and Eric Shyaka 10 points.

Espoir BBC is now 10-7 on the season!

On the side of UR Huye’s Serge Karekezi goes 20 Points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Jean Paul Jabo contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Elsewhere, the table toppers, REG BBC beat IPRC Musanze 97-34 at their home court at Nyakinama.

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link

BASKETBALL: Rwanda and Uganda are the Zone 5 U18 champions

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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BASKETBALL: Rwanda and Uganda are the Zone 5 U18 champions
Rwanda U-18 team in 2022 Zone 5. Kampala
Rwanda Basketball boys’ team and Uganda’s Junior Gazelles, were crowned winners of the Zone five Africa U18 Championship held in Kampala, UGANDA.

Kampala, June 18, 2022, at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Rwanda U-18 climaxed the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification with an 84-43 heavy win over Tanzanians to complete an undefeated road trip of four games.

The 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 5 qualifications attracted only three countries in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Thus, teams had to face each other twice, in a traditional home and away format.

Rwanda secured the first spot before the final game after beating the hosts 72-59 in their third game. They had already beaten the latter 59-38 on the opening day, and Tanzania 73-37 in the second game.

Rwanda captain Dick Sano Rutatika had an outstanding performance in this tournament which earned him a Most Valuable Player award.

2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification MVP, Dick Sano Rutatika | Courtesy Photo

In the girls’ competition, Uganda’s Junior gazelles on Saturday afternoon defeated Tanzania 63-43 in the final day game to emerge as the new Zone five Champions. Uganda under the guidance of Ali Mavita finished the tournament with 3 wins in 4 games.

Gazelles Point guard, Sylvia Nantongo took home two accolades. She finished the tournament as the top scorer and she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as well.

Sylvia Nantongo, the top scorer and MVP of the tournament | Courtesy Photo

Rwanda together with Uganda in boys and girls respectively have booked their tickets at the upcoming FIBA U18 African Championship set to be held in Madagascar from August 4th to 14th, 2022.

2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification Final Standings

Boys:

  1. Rwanda 8 PTS
  2. Uganda 5 PTS
  3. Tanzania 5 PTS

Girls:

  1. Uganda 7PTS
  2. Tanzania 6 PTS
  3. Rwanda 5 PTS

Rwanda’s U-18 men Qualify for FIBA U18 African Championship

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Rwanda’s U-18 men Qualify for FIBA U18 African Championship
Rwanda have Qualified for FIBA U-18 African Championship slated in Madagascar next month | Courtesy Photo
Rwanda has qualified for the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship after an impressive display in Zone V preliminaries, securing the country’s fifth appearance at the Under 18 continental showcase since 2010.

Rwanda, led by coach Yves Murenzi, has qualified after securing first place in FIBA African U-18 Zone 5 Preliminaries following yet another convincing win on the 4th day of the tournament, again by beating the home team Uganda, 72-59.

Brian Wathum’s boys kept things closed in the first and second periods (15-15, 18-18) before Rwanda took control to lead the rest of the game. The latter, through Dick Sano, an NBA Africa Academy product dominated Uganda and outscored them 16-9, 23-17 in the last two quarters not only to finish the game-high but also book a ticket to this year’s FIBA U-18 African Championship.

Uganda hosted this edition of the 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 5 Preliminaries for men and women and only three teams in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania are taking part in these qualifiers

Each team has to face others twice. with one game left, Rwanda tops the rankings with a 3-0 WL record. They beat Tanzania in the opener, and Uganda twice. The junior silverbacks of Uganda follow with one win and two losses record while Tanzania is yet to record a victory in the games taking place at Lugogo indoor stadium.

In the women’s category, the Rwanda under-18 girls’ team did not perform well as they lost all 3 matches.  In the match on Thursday, June 16, 2022, they lost to Tanzania 86-79 in a hard-fought game as they played a second overtime.

Rwanda’s Under 18 Violette Uwimpuhwe trying to pass the ball in the game lost to Tanzania 86-79

The 2022 FIBA Under 18 African Championship is scheduled to take place in Antananarivo, Madagascar between July 23 and August 1, 2022

APR FC crowned 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League champions

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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APR FC wins 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League title
The 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League Champions, APR FC | Photo Credit: IGIHE
APR FC has been crowned the Rwanda Premier League champions, after beating Police FC 2-0 on the final day of the season at Kigali Stadium, becoming the first side to reach the 20 league titles in Rwandan history.

Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club, APR FC confirmed their dominance of the local league by lifting their third straight title yesterday with an easy 2-0 win over the cops. The Army side won the league by a one-point gap.

APR FC had gone into match day 30 needing just a win to clinch a third consecutive championship, and there was little Police FC could do to stop their party as they have never beaten them for over 7 years.

A second-half brace from Gilbert Mugisha assured the APR fans that whatever happened to Kiyovu vs Marines match, won’t ruin their party at Kigali Stadium. The win took APR’s points tally to 66, one more than second-placed SC Kiyovu.

Emmanuel Okwi helped SC Kiyovu to beat Marines 2-0. however, it was not enough since APR didn’t lose | Courtesy Photo

Etoile de l’Est and Gicumbi FC have been relegated to Division 2. Shaban Hussein “Tshabalala” leads the top scorer charts with 15 goals

For more details about Rwanda Premier League, follow this link

APR FC will represent Rwanda in next year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup as well as CAF Champions League.

Andre Casa Mbungo and AS Kigali beat APR FC to push the title race to final day

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Andre Casa Mbungo and AS Kigali beat APR FC to push the title race to final day
Haruna Niyonzima and his AS Kigali mates celebrating the first goal | Photo credit: IGIHE
Casa Mbungo’s AS Kigali defeat APR FC to spoil the parties at Kigali Stadium and keep Kiyovu’s hopes alive as the title race set to go down to the final day.

Kigali, June 14, 2022, APR FC needed a win against AS Kigali to clinch the 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League title, with SC Kiyovu simultaneously dropping the points in Rusizi.

Rusizi-based club, Espoir FC hold Kiyovu to a goalless draw and put the trophy in the hands of the defending champions, APR FC. However, They will have to wait for their joyous celebrations on the final day as last night’s party was spoiled by AS Kigali.

Former APR FC Captain, now AS Kigali skipper, Haruna Niyonzima put the citizens ahead in the first half with a fantastic finish as APR produced a rare poor performance.

In the second half, AS Kigali led by the famous Andre Casa Mbungo continued to dominate the possession and could have scored the second goal but Hussein Shaban’s header hit the bar post.

APR tried to make offensive changes but AS Kigali seemed to look more composed in the defensive midfield. In the last 5 minutes of the match, Fabrice Mugeni made an interception in the second third then he carried the ball to the box and score the second goal for AS Kigali. FT: APR FC 0-2 AS Kigali

The last time AS Kigali beat APR FC in the league was in 2018. Casa Mbungo ended the Citizens’ 4 years winless era against APR. As a reminder, In 2017, the gaffer while in Kiyovu, helped them end their 12-year winless streak against APR FC.

Andre Casa Mbungo and AS Kigali beat APR FC to push the title race to final day
AS Kigali head coach, Andre Casa Mbungo beat APR FC to push RPL race to final day | Photo: IGIHE

APR FC tops the table with 63 points and they have Police FC on the last day-decider. Kiyovu Sports is second with 62 and will host Marines on the league final day.

Victory on the final day at Kigali Stadium would guarantee APR FC their 20th league title regardless of Kiyovu’s results against Marines. A draw will be enough too, In case Kiyovu fails to collect all 3 points of the last game, and lose to Marines, APR will be crowned champions.

For Kiyovu, a win against Marines won’t be enough, so Haringingo’s side will be hoping for a draw or a loss for APR to clinch the long waited trophy.

Rwanda Premier League MD 29 Results:

  • Bugesera FC 2-0 Police FC
  • Marines FC 3-2 Rayon Sports
  • Gicumbi FC 1-3 Rutsiro FC
  • Etoile del’Est 0-0 Gorilla FC
  • Espoir FC 0-0 SC Kiyovu
  • Musanze FC 0-0 Mukura VS

Today, Etincelles FC host Gasogi United at Umuganda Stadium to conclude the round of 29

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