Rwanda Basketball League weekend wrap

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June 13, 2022

Rwanda Basketball League weekend wrap — Pascal Niyonkuru lay up in REG vs S4S first leg match | Photo credit : Innocent SHEMA

Week three of the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League second leg brought plenty of excitement and upsets during the 9 games held at three courts including AIPER Nyandungu.

The Rwanda Basketball League Men’s and Women’s actions continued as REG BBC has moved into the top spot for the first time this season after picking up two more wins. They defeated Shoot For The Stars 99-75 before seeing off Rusizi 77-51. In the Women’s category, APR maintained their lead at the top of the table as they improved to an 8-1 WL record.

Friday night’s first game tipped off at Club Rafiki with REG BBC edging out Shoot For The Stars 99-75 (28-18, 31-12, 17-19, 23-26). S4S Small Forward, Jordan Yezakuzwe netted a game-high 32 points with REG’s captain Elie Kaje posting a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds and providing 8 assists.

The second game of the night saw IPRC Kigali get back on to the winning track with a 92-55 victory over the strugglers UR-CMHS. Bahufite’s side had been beaten in the previous match by the defending champions, REG 93-73.

Saturday had Espoir BBC taking on the Tigers in the game of the day, with Tigers’ new forward, Breitlauch Adrian dropping a 28 points game-high in a nail-biting win over Espoir BBC at AIPER Nyandungu court.

Earlier at the same venue, Shoot For The Stars, S4S thrashed UR-CMHS 100-46 while Rusizi, at home notched a convincing 60-41 victory over UR Huye.

Sunday featured the game in Rusizi, with the defending champions REG wrapping the weekend with an away win to Rusizi BBC. They beat them 77-51 and move to the top of the league with 13 wins in 14 games.

In the last game of the weekend, UR-CMHS went up against Espoir BBC. Clearly, Espoir had something to prove, taking the game in dominating fashion, 108-43.

In the 2020 Rwanda Basketball League women’s category, under the guidance of Rene Sahabu, G S Marie Reine recorded an away victory over UR-CMHS to improve to a 5-4 WL in this season while APR WBBC overwhelmed UR Huye 123-22 to maintain the first spot.

Some individual performances that were highlighted in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League this weekend.

In 37 minutes spent on the court, Jordan Yezakuzwe poured in 32 points even though his efforts were not enough to help his team, the defending champions overcomed Shoot For The Stars in a Friday night clash played at newly refurbished Club Rafiki
Thierry Munyeshuri scored 25 points with 5-9 3PT against the Tigers. A day later, He contributed 37 points in a win against UR-CHMS. Munyeshuri is currently the third-placed top scorer in the league so far
Samuel Niyonshuti dished out 17 assists in the game Shoot For The Stars beat UR-CMHS. The S4S Point Guard is leading the league in assists.
Against UR Huye, Laurence Imanizabayo scored 25 points in 18 minutes with 10-13 FG. The 25 points scored moved her into the league 5 top scorers
Elie Kaje nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 PTS, 13 REBS, and 8 assists in the Friday night game against S4S
Frank Kamndoh produced an impressive performance of 33 PTS, 21 REBS (including 9 offensive rebounds), 4 assists, and 4 blocks in the game S4S beat UR-CMHS. Frank, is last season’s best defender, and the number one shot-blocker in the league, furthermore, he is leading the scorers too.
Breitlauch Adrian contributed 28 points in the Tigers’ win over Espoir BBC. A German Basketball Player’s impact on the Tigers is distinguished as he averages 29.5 PTS in two games

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow the link here.

Special Olympics Rwanda pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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June 4, 2022

http://specialolympicsrwanda.org/ — Special olympics Rwanda members lay wreaths to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi during their visit at Kigali Genocide Memorial on June 3, 2022

June 3, 2022, Special Olympics Rwanda, a non-profit organization for children & adults with intellectual disabilities, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi before reaching out a survivor in the Kigarama sector, Kicukiro to give financial support.

As part of the 28th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the Special Olympics Rwanda paid an honorary visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi.

The Special Olympics Rwanda, SOR’s visit aimed to pay homage to the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, laid wreaths at the memorial, and also donate support to Kigali Genocide Memorial. The ceremony was attended by senior executives and all Special Olympics Rwanda staff.

SOR Members at the Campaign Against Genocide Museum

During their visit to the memorial, Special Olympics Rwanda officials and staff were briefed on the history of Rwanda before, during and after the genocide.

Following the visit to the Kigali Memorial at Gisozi, SOR members visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, a museum located in the Parliamentary building at Kimihurura in Kigali City. They eventually moved on to reach out to one of the survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in the Kigarama cell, Kigarama sector, Kicukiro district.

With a warm welcome, Therese Munganyika, a survivor, also shared her testimony of the life she went through in the genocide. Munganyinka, mother of Kevin Nyandwi, a Special Olympics athlete, expressed her gratitude for being recognized.

Therese Munganyinka, a genocide survivor

She said” I’m really glad to see you reaching out to me…I’m very surprised. This support is of great value to us, may God bless you for the help and give you back more”

Special Olympics Rwanda provided support to the family, including food and sanitation equipment.

In her speech, Marie Louise Kabakesha, the Executive Secretary of the Kigarama cell, acclaimed the efforts of SOR towards Genocide survivors and especially appreciates the fact that SOR chose Kigarama.

To conclude the eventful day, Pastor Deus Sangwa, Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda explained that this kind and solidarity act should characterize Rwandans during the commemoration period

“We planned this day as SOR to join all Rwandans in these 100 days of mourning to commemorate the 28th anniversary of a 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

“It is in this context that we organized 3 activities namely visiting a memorial site to pay tribute to the victims, secondly, visit the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to learn the country’s road to liberation from the tragic nightmare of the 1994 Genocide that cost a million of Tutsi lives. We got to know the history of bravery RPF Inkotanyi, who stopped the Genocide and brought peace to the country, and this powerful story gave us the passion, patriotism and sacrifice of our lives if necessary.”

“The lessons taken at Kimihurura strengthen us to continue in the third activity to visit one of the survivors of the genocide.”

SOR is a non-governmental organization that has a wide range of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children with Intellectual disabilities

As a reminder, last week, Special Olympics Rwanda with NBA Africa, conducted a Youth Jr NBA Basketball Clinic for the young athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. the event took place at the BK Arena on Thursday 26 May 2022.

New faces in Rwanda Men’s Basketball preselected Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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June 1, 2022

New faces in Rwanda Men’s Basketball preselected Squad for World Cup Qualifiers — Rwanda NT

Rwanda Basketball Federation on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, unveiled the national basketball squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers Games. Olivier Shyaka, Elie Kaje, and Aristide Mugabe were dropped, with the squad featuring plenty of fresh faces.

Rwanda has announced a 21-man training camp roster for 2023 World Cup African Qualifiers Group B slated in Kigali from July 1st to July 3rd 2022.

Dr Cheikh Sarr’s Rwanda finished the first window of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with a 0-3 record against Cameroon, Tunisia and South Sudan in Senegal. A record to improve should they want to progress in the next round since the three best-placed teams from a group will advance to the second round.

The experienced Aristide Mugabe, Elie Kaje, Kami Kabange, and Olivier Shyaka are not in the pre-selection squad called. However, Some of the best performers in the ongoing Rwanda Basketball League have been rewarded with a place in the squad, including 21-year-old Shooting Guard, Justin Uwitonze, young point guards, Jean De Dieu Umuhoza and Olivier Turatsinze.

The Orion Centre, Patrick Ngabonziza has been included in Rwanda’s 21-man preliminary squad. The 23-year-old is among new faces in the squad named by coach Cheikh Sarr. Ngabonziza becomes the first player from Rwanda D2 to be named to the senior national team.

USA and Canada based young players, Imad Ruhamyandekwe, Emile Galois Kazeneza, Cadeau De Dieu Furaha, Osborn Shema, Noah Bigirumwami, Brillant Brave Rutsindura have also been selected. Adelin Mugasa Ndashimye, who plies his trade in Poland, has been given a chance too.

The 21-man Pre-selection Roster:

Ntore Habimana (Patriots), Olivier Turatsinze (IPRC Kigali), Jean De Dieu Umuhoza (UGB), Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG BBC), Imad Ruhamyandekwe (Canada), Robenys William (Belgium), Kenneth Gasana (Bahrain), Bruno Nyamwasa (Patriots), Justin Uwitonze (IPRC Kigali), Steven Hagumintwari (Patriots), Adelin Mugasa Ndashimye (Poland), Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba (Patriots), Emile Galois Kazeneza (USA), Axel Mpoyo (REG BBC), Cadeau de Dieu Furaha (USA), Patrick Ngabonziza (Orion ), Kendall Gray (Tunisia), Osborn Shema (USA), Noah Bigirumwami (USA), Tresor Marius Ntwali (USA), and Brillant Brave Rutsindura (USA)

The players are expected to report in the camp on 6th June 2022

BAL: Carlos Morais’ advise to young aspiring players, “Stay hungry and believe in your dreams”

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 30, 2022

Carlos Morais, arguably one of Africa's most decorated basketball players. — Petro de Luanda's Shooting Guard, Carlos Morais | Photo Credit: BAL/Getty Images

Carlos Morais is arguably one of the best shooting guards on the continent and one of the most open athletes when it came to passing down information to younger players. During the 2022 BAL final games in Kigali, the Angolan international addressed the media and highlighted the secret behind his success that enabled him to stay at the forefront of top African Basketball players for years.

Carlos Edilson Alcântara Morais, the prolific and iconic African Basketball player, played for Petro de Luanda for much of his career, aside from a 3 years spell in Portugal and Italy. With Petro, he finished third in BAL’s inaugural season and runners up in the second edition, the title claimed in 2006 as Africa Clubs Championship.

In the Angolan National team, He won the Afrobasket tournament 4 times (2005, 2007, 2009, and 2013), and Carlos is one of the few BAL players with Olympic experience as he represented the Parancas Negras in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

Following his stellar performance in 2013 AfroBasket where he led his country to the title and was named MVP, He was invited to Toronto Raptors by the franchise general manager, Masai Ujiri to join the team in the preseason and fight for a spot in the Raptors 15 player roster. He played 3 games in pre-season but he was later waived by Dwane Casey.

He was on the verge of making history not only to become the first Angolan to play in the NBA but also the second African Basketball player to have ever entered the NBA from the African League.

With this fantastic journey, there is no doubt that the Angolan Sharp-shooting guard is in the right position to inspire the young generation on how they can achieve their dream goals.

Speaking to the Media, Carlos Morais, who has been in Basketball for over 15 years, unveiled the secret behind his consistency as well as how he stayed motivated for almost two decades

Carlos Morais said, “I just make sure that I care about my body in the right way. I’m still hungry. . . I believe I’m still young even though am 36 years old …you know, like every day I come to practice or to play a game as I try to stay as motivated as I was on the first day. That’s my mentality. That’s why I wake up every morning trying to get better.”

When asked the best piece of advice he would give the young basketball players, his answer was short and sweet: “Stay hungry and believe in your dreams”. however, he shared what he went through during his basketball career, especially in the beginning.

He said, “If I have to give advice to any young player, I would just tell him/her to stay hungry and believe in his/her dreams,” Said, Carlos Morais

He added “When I started, not everybody believed that I was going to reach this level in my career. You know… I had been told that I choose the wrong sport. I had been told that I should have gone to soccer, volleyball maybe…”

“You know I just keep going as I believe in my dreams that’s why I’m here and I think I’m one of the most known players in Africa. So, If I have to give advice to any young player, I’d just say; stay hungry and believe in your dreams. Everything is possible as long as you work for it,” Carlos Morais continued.

Carlos Morais will be 20 years in the game next year. During the 2022 BAL, Morais and Petro de Luanda finished runners up. He averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.3 steals, earning a spot on the All-BAL First Team.

In his 19 years career, Carlos is 8 times Angolan League Champion, 4 times Afrobasket Champions, Portuguese league champion, and Africa Clubs Champion. He won Afrobasket MVP, African Club Championship MVP, Portuguese Cup MVP, and BAI Basket top scorer awards.

US Monastir wins the 2nd edition of the Basketball Africa League

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 29, 2022

US Monastir wins the 2nd edition of the Basketball Africa League — The 2022 Basketball Africa League Champions, US Monastir | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA

Tunisia’s US Monastir has been crowned the Champions of the second edition and 2022 BAL at the expense of Petro Luanda. The Tunisians redeemed themselves after losing the final of the first edition against Zamalek.

A magnificent team, a season to remember for US Monastir. After the national championship and the Tunisian Cup, they have achieved the historic treble by winning the second edition of the Basketball Africa League. They came from behind to win the BAL title, defeating Angola’s Petro de Luanda 83-72 in the championship game in Kigali at a full crowded BK Arena.

Trailing by 7 points at the break (18-17, 15-23), the Tunisian Champions came back strong to dominate the last two quarters (24-19, 26-13) and secure their first-ever Africa Clubs Championship. For more detailed statistics of the game, follow this link

Led by Serbian tactician, Miodrag Perišić, Union Sportive Monastrienne will be remembered to have ended Zamalek’s 12 unbeaten game streak in Basketball Africa League history. US Monastir had advanced to the final by knocking off defending BAL champions Zamalek.

Georgian international, born in the USA, Michael Andre Dixon’s performance in this tournament was unparalleled. At 31, he was averaging 16.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 21 minutes per game. He came impressively this Saturday, May 28, in the final against Petro Luanda too. Dixon scored 21 pts and delivered 6 assists in 35 minutes spent on the court. The US Monastir Guard was named the 2022 BAL Hakeem Olajuwon MVP Award.

The 2022 BAL Hakeem Olajuwon MVP | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA

In other individual awards, Dixon’s team-mate and Lebanon International, Ater James Majok received Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the year. AS Salé’s Terrel Stoglin is a top scorer and averaging 30.8 points per game, the Manute Bol Sportsmanship award goes to Anas Mahmoud from Zamalek while the BAL Coach of the Year is Jose Neto of Petro Luanda.

In the other recognitions, The All-BAL defensive Team is made of Childe Dunda (Petro Luanda), Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG), Aboubacar Gakou (Petro Luanda), Brice Dias (FAP), and Ater Majok (Monastir).

All-BAL First Team : Edgar Sosa (Zamalek), Terrel De Stoglin (AS Salé), Carlos Morais (Petro Luanda), Radhouane Slimane (US Monastir), Ater James Majok (US Monastir)

The Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate becomes the first player to win two BAL titles. He won it with Zamalek last year and now US Monastir.

Special Olympics Rwanda and NBA Africa co-host an eventful Youth Basketball Clinic at BK Arena

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 27, 2022

Special Olympics Rwanda and NBA Africa co-host an eventful Youth Basketball Clinic at BK Arena — Basketball Clinic co-hosted by SOR and NBA Africa at BK Arena on May 26, 2022

In a partnership with an association that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities “Special Olympics Rwanda”, NBA Africa provides a Youth Jr NBA Basketball Clinic for the young athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. the event took place at the BK Arena on Thursday 26 May 2022.

The event brought together about 40 youngsters and 10 coaches, from various institutions in Rwanda including; Lycée de Kigali, IPRC Kigali, Tubiteho Center, HVP Humura Ndera and Amizero in BK Arena.

Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairperson of Special Olympics Rwanda, commended the initiative and affirmed how special the partnership is. He further added that the Special Olympics will continue to do its utmost to assist disabled athletes playing various sports, including basketball.

“We are delighted to have the members of NBA Africa as our guests today, we welcome this new exciting initiative and hope it will continue. We shall carry on to promote sports for people with Intellectual disabilities, we usually participate in football, athletics, bocce and so on… So, with the help of Jr NBA, We want to see them play basketball.”

Pastor Deus Sangwa (middle), Chairman with Special Olympics Rwanda executives, Secretary-general, Christopher Karenzi, Jean Bosco Muhamyangabo, Project officer, and Betty Tumukunde a delegate from the parents of the SOR children.

Gasana Kenny, one of the beneficiaries from Tubiteho Center spoke out about his excitement to play Basketball. “I enjoyed playing basketball as well as playing with the Americans”

Kita Matungulu, Jr NBA representative expressed his gratitude to join the children in the Basketball clinic and stated that it’s one of their most important programs for young basketball players, especially for children with disabilities.

He said “We’re very excited to be training with these kids, you’ve seen them work with some of the former NBA players, like Dikembe Mutombo and others. It’s a great pleasure to play with children with disabilities because they also need to be taught Basketball. ”

Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations with NBA legends

NBA legend, Mutombo Dikembe with his famous gesture ‘Not in my house’

Special Olympics Rwanda gives the opportunities to children with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness

Special Olympics Rwanda is a non-governmental organization that has a wide range of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children with Intellectual disabilities.

The 2022 BAL Final is set. US Monastir to face Petro de Luanda.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 26, 2022

The 2022 BAL Final is set. US Monastir to face Petro de Luanda. — Radhouane Slimane helped US Monastir reach 2022 BAL Final | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA

US Monastir set up BAL final with Petro de Luanda after surging to win the defending champions. They come back to the final with a revenge victory over Zamalek who defeated them in the final last year.

Kigali, May 25, 2022, the 2022 second semi final game saw a rematch of last year’s final between the African giants, Tunisia’s US Monastir and the defending champions and 13 times Egypt champions, Zamalek.

Union Sportive Monastirienne, commonly known as US Monastir trailed by as many as six in the first quarter tonight and came back to win the game 88-81. The first quarter ended with 16-22 in favour of the Egyptians before the Tunisians took control of the game and never looked back.

US Monastir outscored Zamalek in the last 3 quarters 19-18, 29-18, and 24-23 to complete the revenge mission and end Zamalek’s 12 unbeaten records in this BAL league.

Radhouane Slimane, Michael Andre Dixon, Julius Coles Jr, and Ater Majok scored in double double digits numbers for US Monastir whilst Zamalek’s Mikhael Mckinney dropped a game high 26 points. However, his effort were not enough to overcome their opponents and to qualify his side for a back to back final.

During this game, BAL celebrated Africa Day by honoring African NBA legends Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Ian Mahinmi plus Rwanda’s Aristide Mugabe | Photo : Innocent SHEMA

Earlier, at the same venue, newly rebranded BK Arena, Childe Dundão was back doing what he does best, scoring from 3, around the rim, and mid-range. Dundão posted three three-pointers and a game high 18 points to help Petro de Luanda advance to the 2022 BAL final.

Petro’s PG Childe Dundao | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

Clube Atlético Petroleos de Luanda, Petro de Luanda beat FAP 88-74 and moved on to the final, their first appearance in the Basketball Africa League final. They finished third in last year’s inaugural season.

Zamalek will rub shoulders with Cameroon’s FAP in third place game slated for Friday while Petro de Luanda will take on US Monastir in the final on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at BK Arena.

Ndejje Elites Yank 1 Away From ASEC Mimosa

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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May 24, 2022

Uganda representatives at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships, Ndejje Elites, yesterday recovered from an opening game loss by defeating ASEC Mimosa in 3 straight sets.

The champions of Women’s volleyball in Uganda, Ndejje Elites are back to winning ways after a thumping Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosa in a match that ended with the latter securing no set.

This win comes after the side lost to tournament title defenders, CF Carthage 3-0. The Elites gave no chance to the ladies from the Ivory Coast who gave it a good fight in the first set to score 20 points.

However, this was not enough to put down the Elites with 25-14 and 25-10 in the respective last 2 sets. This win was a huge statement for Ndejje after a big blow from CF Carthage.

“I Thank God for making us Victorious today. It is a big win for us on the African Continent against ASEC Mimosa. We have composed ourselves, we are serving well, and also increased on the attack,” stated the head coach Kitosi Ronnie.

Ndejje Elites have a rest day before they face KCB from Kenya tomorrow. The result from this match will determine the side’s future in the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championship.

Ndejje Elites Serve-Off 2022 African Championships On A Sad Note

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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May 22, 2022

2021 Women’s National club champions, Ndejje Elites, start their journey at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships with a loss to tournament defending champions, CF Carthage.

The Ndejje Elites were flagged off on Wednesday, 18th May 2022 ahead of the tournament that was scheduled to start Friday, 20th May 2022. The University team is currently holders of the Uganda National Volleyball League title after defeating VVC.

Ndejje being one of the most capable representatives for Uganda at this tournament was not good enough for the University side against CF Carthage. Proceeding ended 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-15)

“It has been our first game of the tournament against the defending champions. It is a plus to the ladies that they have played well. We lost 3-0, but it was worth it because we managed to reach 22 with the defending champion,” Head coach Ndejje Elites, Kitosi Ronnie.

“We have to concentrate more on the second game. we are playing against ASE, so we have to serve more and defend more. The game was not bad, it was an eye-opener that we can do better than this,” added the head coach.

Ndejje is pitted in Group B together with Tunisia’s CF Carthage, Kenya’s KCB and Ivory Coast’s Mimosa. KCB also secured a win in this group after defeating Mimosa, 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-10).

The Ndejje Elites will now face Mimosa tomorrow Monday, 23rd May 2022.

President Kagame and Giants of Africa Unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at club Rafiki.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

May 22, 2022

The President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame officiated the unveiling of the refurbished basketball court at Club Rafiki in the Nyamirambo sector as part of Giants of Africa’s initiative to build 100 Basketball courts in Africa.

Saturday, 21st May 2022, a business sports forum ‘moving sports forward forum’ co-hosted by Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa with Basketball Africa League, and invite other sports stakeholders such as sports administrators, athletes, businesses and government leaders at Kigali Marriott Hotel, gathered to discuss the role of sports infrastructure in the development of African youth. Thereafter, the giants of Africa launched Club Rafiki’s Basketball Court as their 13th Basketball facility across the continent since 2021 when Masai Ujiri began a 100-court investment in the infrastructure of Basketball throughout Africa.

Kicking off the event at Club Rafiki, which was a mixture of NBA Africa & GOA Youth Basketball clinic and contemporary dances, Madam Stephanie Alamba, Club Rafiki administrator embraced the partnership between good governance and Basketball initiatives that changes the lives of the youth community around Club Rafiki.

The ceremony moderated by Africa Scouting Manager at Toronto Raptors, also included the speeches from NBA Africa CEO, Victor Williams, BAL President, Amadou Gallo, and Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.

In his words, the project initiator, Masai Ujiri, President of Toronto Raptors and Co-Founder of Giants of Africa who is steadfast demonstrated that the base for shaping the future of the African sports industry is by investing in infrastructure, acknowledged the Nyamirambo community for having Club Rafiki, the fantastic place for Sports history.

“Our investments have the power to transform generations to come, and sports infrastructure is the foundation,” said Ujiri during the unveiling ceremony.

He added; “It fosters togetherness and can empower our youth everywhere just like the young men and women we see here at Club Rafiki. My hope is that we can come together, across all sectors, united as one continent in a shared vision for the future of sports.”

He continued “A big big thank you to the whole community here because this place has an incredible history in sports”

In his remark to close the event, The special guest, H.E President Paul Kagame expressed his emotional state and emphasized the stature of developing the sports infrastructure in Africa. “My feeling is that of pride and happiness that we have done something and it has materialized,” he said. “It is going to have an impact on our young people and the development of talent on our continent.”

Giants of Africa is a non-profit organization with the goal of changing the lives of countless boys and girls on the African continent through the power of Sport. It was founded in 2003 by Masai Ujiri. Since then, It has used sport to help empower youth to dream big, hosting basketball camps and clinics for boys and girls in 16 countries across the continent.

In 2021, Giants of Africa launched the 100-court initiative and unveiled basketball facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast and now in 2022, Club Rafiki court is unveiled.

Club Rafiki is considered the root of basketball in Rwanda mainly because of the talents who have risen and maximized their potential on the court through Rafiki based club, Espoir Basketball Club.

Rwanda Basketball League weekend wrap

Week three of the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League second leg brought plenty of excitement and upsets during the 9 games held at three courts including AIPER Nyandungu.

Some individual performances that were highlighted in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League this weekend.

Special Olympics Rwanda pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi

New faces in Rwanda Men’s Basketball preselected Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Rwanda Basketball Federation on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, unveiled the national basketball squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers Games. Olivier Shyaka, Elie Kaje, and Aristide Mugabe were dropped, with the squad featuring plenty of fresh faces.

BAL: Carlos Morais’ advise to young aspiring players, “Stay hungry and believe in your dreams”

US Monastir wins the 2nd edition of the Basketball Africa League

Special Olympics Rwanda and NBA Africa co-host an eventful Youth Basketball Clinic at BK Arena

The 2022 BAL Final is set. US Monastir to face Petro de Luanda.

US Monastir set up BAL final with Petro de Luanda after surging to win the defending champions. They come back to the final with a revenge victory over Zamalek who defeated them in the final last year.

Ndejje Elites Yank 1 Away From ASEC Mimosa

Uganda representatives at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships, Ndejje Elites, yesterday recovered from an opening game loss by defeating ASEC Mimosa in 3 straight sets.

Ndejje Elites Serve-Off 2022 African Championships On A Sad Note

2021 Women’s National club champions, Ndejje Elites, start their journey at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships with a loss to tournament defending champions, CF Carthage.

President Kagame and Giants of Africa Unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at club Rafiki.

The President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame officiated the unveiling of the refurbished basketball court at Club Rafiki in the Nyamirambo sector as part of Giants of Africa’s initiative to build 100 Basketball courts in Africa.

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