Nsambya based Sport-S Volleyball Club upset Uganda volleyball giants Nemo stars in a well-fought battle to challenge who will represent Uganda at the African Club Championships.
The National Club Championship is a competition that is held every year to decide which club takes representation bragging rights at the African Club Championship that is organised by the continent’s volleyball governing body CAVB.
The championship is contention between what is considered the supreme clubs from countries across the African continent. On several occasions, Nemo Stars Volleyball Club has been the front runner for Uganda at this championship.
It will not be the same case for Nemo Stars this year as yet another Ugandan volleyball titan, Sport-S Volleyball Club have come out to challenge Nemo for that prestigious spot on the African continent.
It was a match worth the money for the fans who attended at OLD KAMPALA ARENA as Sport-S overwhelmed Nemo in an action-packed contention that ended 3-1 in favour of the Nsambya based club ((25-27, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19).
Sport-S were under the guidance of head coach Benon Mugisha who battled it out with Nemo Stars’ long term head coach Okapis Andrew.
Sport-S now joins women’s side Ndejje University Volleyball Club who were crowned champions after beating KCCA Women’s Volleyball Club in the finals
For more details on the National Volleyball League click here
Rwanda NT during the practices in Kigali Arena in 2021 | Courtesy Photo
Rwanda Basketball National team head coach, Dr Cheikh Sarr has announced the 18-man senior men’s roster that will compete in the first window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Meanwhile, Charles Mushumba has been added to the coaching staff as an assistant.
Rwanda, drawn with Cameroon, South Sudan and Tunisia in Group B of 2023 World Cup African Qualifiers, kicks off the campaign next month in Senegal.
The first game is scheduled for February 25 against South Sudan. However, the team management plans to play some friendly games before the competition.
Ahead of preparations, the changes have been made to technical staff. Charles Mushumba will join Dr Sarr’s staff as first Assistant Coach, alongside current second assistant coach Yves Murenzi.
Mushumba is currently the head coach of IPRC Huye in the Rwanda Basketball League. He has replaced Henry Mwinuka
Eric Kabagema and Claude Mukurarinda will serve as general manager and team manager respectively too.
Among the players called up, Patriots forward, Steven Hagumintwali missed out due to the injury picked in AfroBasket games.
In the first round, the 16 teams have been divided into four groups of four teams to play a double round-robin system. Three best-placed teams from a group will advance to the second round.
In the second round, the twelve teams will be divided into two groups of six teams. Each group will be formed from teams advanced from two first-round groups. All results from the previous round will be carried out. Two best-placed teams from both groups plus the third-placed team with a better record will qualify for the World Cup.
MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER: Ally Kubwimana Kazingufu (APR BBC), Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG BBC), Bello Nkanira (IPRC Kigali), Aristide Mugabe (Patriots), Armel Sangwe (APR BBC), Bruno Nyamwasa (IPRC Kigali), Pascal Niyonkuru (REG BBC), Fiston Irutingabo (APR BBC), Thierry Nkundwa (APR BBC), Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba (Patriots), Prince Muhizi (REG BBC), Victoire Mutabaruka (IPRC Kigali), Eric Muhayumukiza (IPRC Kigali), Olivier Shyaka ( REG BBC), Elie Kaje (REG BBC), Hubert Kabare Bugingo (IPRC Huye), Arnaud Nkusi (APR BBC), and Jean Paul Ndoli ( Patriots)
TECHNICAL STAFF:
Technical Director: Moise Mutokambali General Manager: Eric Kabagema Head Coach: Dr. Cheikh Sarr 1st Assistant Coach: Charles Mushumba 2nd Assistant Coach: Yves Murenzi Physical Conditioning Coaches: Carballo Manuel and Gustave Kayitakire Video Analyst: Remy Munyaneza Team Manager: Claude Mukurarinda Kit Manager: Romeo Murenzi Team Physio: Jean Claude Tuyishime Team Doctor: Dr. Leandre Ishema
Kiyovu players celebrating Thierry Ndayishimiye's first ever goal in The Greens | Photo: SC Kiyovu
Following the revised instructions by the ministry of sports regarding team sports activities, the Rwanda FA has announced that the top-flight Rwanda Premier League will be resumed on January 15, 2022, with matchday 12. SC Kiyovu, league leaders will host the defending champions, APR FC.
With four rounds left to conclude the first leg matches, resumption is on Saturday, January 15 with four fixtures as AS Kigali host Rutsiro, Musanze are at home to Rayon Sports, Etoile de l’Est are away to Espoir FC while the relegation battlers Etincelles FC face off Marines in Bugoyi derby.
Sunday’s action will also see two games take place, with the face-off between Gorilla FC and Bugesera while the biggest game on matchday 15 will see the Rwanda Premier League defending champions APR FC visit the reigning table leaders SC Kiyovu.
The last time APR FC lost a league match against Kiyovu was in October 2017. Kiyovu, under the stewardship of Andrée Casa Mbungo beat APR FC 1-0 at Mumena Stadium
On Monday, at Huye Stadium, Mukura hosts Police FC. With the cops lagging in fourth with 19 points and hungry for maximum points, this is a fixture with major title race consequences. Mukura is placed in eighth place with 13 points, three points behind Musanze FC, the sixth-placed team.
Another fixture will be between Gasogi and Gicumbi. The clash between both teams who are placed in the bottom half of the table means they equally need three points when they face each other on Monday afternoon at Nyamirambo. Gasogi are now winless in the last 7 games with 4 losses and 3 draws.
For more details about the Rwanda Premier League, follow this link
Naby Keita was on target as Guinea beat Rwanda in a friendly match | Courtesy Photo
Three days after their humiliation against Rwanda, Guinea’s Syli National showcased ultimate revenge to the same opponent 2-0 on Thursday in Kigali for their last preparation match before the 2021 AFCON.
Liverpool star, Naby Keita, the last player to join Guinea camp in Kigali, was present this afternoon to help his side overcome a heavy defeat registered on Monday, January 3.
Syli led by Naby Keita as captain, outplayed Rwanda in the first 45 minutes before the head coach decided to rest some of the key players include Naby Keita, Roma’s Amadou Diawara and Issiaga Sylla who ply his trade in french’s side, Toulouse FC.
Syli’s goals were scored by Mohamed Bayo in the 27th minute with an assist from Camara Aguibou. The skipper, Naby Keita doubled the lead in the 35th minute and the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
This was the first Syli’s victory under the guidance of Kaba Diawara as the head coach. The victory also helps to increase the confidence of this Syli team before their first group match.
Before leaving the country, Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya told Guinean Players to either win the AFCON or return the money spent on them. However, the Syli National have never won the Africa Cup of Nations even if they finished runners up in 1976.
As the 2021 edition is nearly upon us, Guinea will kick off their campaign against Malawi on January 10, before facing Sadio Mané and his fellow countrymen four days later then Zimbabwe on 18th to complete the group B games.
How both Amavubi and Syli National lined up in a second friendly match
Rwanda XI: Pierre Ishimwe, Ally Omar Serumogo, Eric Rutanga, Faustin Usengimana, Prince Buregeya, Bosco Ruboneka, Blaise Nishimwe, Janvier Benedata, Lague Byiringiro, Muhadjiri Hakizimana (c), and Ernest Sugira
Guinea XI: Aly Keïta, Saidou Sow, Mohamed Ali Camara, Ibrahima Sory Conte, Ibrahima Cissé, Issiaga Sylla, Amadou Diawara, Naby Keïta (c), Aguibou Camara, José Martinez Kanté, Mohamed Lamine Bayo, and Ibrahim Koné.
Amavubi players that started Guinea game on January 3, 2022 at Amahoro Stadium | Photo credit: FERWAFA
Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Danny Usengimana and Fred Muhozi all on target as Rwanda ease to 3-0 International friendly win over Syli National of Guinea at the Amahoro Stadium on Monday, January 3, 2022.
As part of preparations for the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Guinea’s Syli National arrived in Kigali on December 28 for a training camp that would allow them play two friendly matches against Amavubi of Rwanda.
January 3, 2022 at Amahoro Stadium, Guinea led by newly appointed head coach, Kaba Diawara lost to Rwanda in the first friendly match. Liverpool’s Naby Keita did not play this game as he landed in Kigali this evening, however he is expected to be available for second match on Thursday, January 6.
In the 24th minute of the match, thanks to the gift from Ousmane Kanté, Muhadjiri Hakizimana sent the ball straight into the net to give Amavubi the lead.
2 minutes after the break, a brilliant pass from Ernest Sugira found Danny Usengimana, and the Police FC attacker made no mistake with the finish to make it 2-0.
The man on fire, Fred Muhozi, gave Rwanda the third goal just eight minutes into his international debut. Muhozi who replaced Lague Byiringiro in 64th minutes, found the back of the net in the 72nd minutes. Another assist from Ernest Sugira.
Vincent Mashami’s side secured their first victory of 2022 with a comfortable win over Syli National. The two teams face off again in a second friendly game in 72 hours.
STARTING LINEUPS
Rwanda: Hakizimana Adolphe, Ali Serumogo, Faustin Usengimana, Clément Niyigena, Claude Niyomugabo, Bosco Ruboneka, Kevin Muhire, Lague Byiringiro, Muhadjiri Hakizimana (C), Danny Usengimana, and Yves Mugunga.
The Amavubi head coach, Vincent Mashami | Courtesy Photo
Vincent Mashami’s 26-man Amavubi squad named on Wednesday for upcoming double encounter with syli national of Guinea in Kigali.
Rwanda will take on the syli national in first friendly match on Monday, January 3rd before locking horns again 3 days later. Both games will be played at Amahoro Stadium.
The team summoned by Mashami, comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards, bringing the total number to 36. In this squad, APR FC have many players than any other team (8)
The on-form defender, Thierry Ndayishimiye from Kiyovu is among seven players who earned the first call-up at senior level. The inclusion of Ndayishimiye does not come as a surprise considering his performance in recent league games. His partner in Club, Eric Ngendahimana also earned the call up
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers ISHIMWE Jean Pierre (APR FC), NTWALI Fiacre (AS Kigali), HAKIZIMANA Adolphe (Rayon Sports FC)
Defenders SERUMOGO Ali (Kiyovu SC), NKUBANA Marc (Gasogi United), NIYOMUGABO Claude (APR FC) , RUTANGA Eric (Police FC), USENGIMANA Faustin (Police FC) , NGENDAHIMANA Eric (SC Kiyovu), NIYIGENA Clément (Rayon Sports FC), NDAYISHIMIYE Thierry (Kiyovu SC), BUREGEYA Prince (APR FC)
APR FC right back, Fitina Omborenga scores a superb free-kick this afternoon to help the army team bag the three points of matchday 11 against Espoir FC
A massive win for the Rwanda Premier League defending champions who are moving closer to the top and extend their proud unbeaten run in local league to 46 matches with their last defeat coming back in May 2019, 2-1 against today’s opponent, Espoir FC
Espoir started very well as Patrick Ntijyinama looked so calm and composed on the ball while their attacking duo of Fred Muhozi and Yves Habimana have been a threat in the APR’s defense. In the 40th minutes of the game, a good connection between Ntijyinama and Muhozi who played a perfect pass to send Habimana through, however the thunderbolt of a strike hit the woodwork.
In the second half, Rwanda International and APR full back, Omborenga Fitina inspired his team to a 1-0 win over Rusizi based club as his free kick in the 70th minutes sealed a well needed victory.
The last time the two clubs faced off was on May 23, 2021. Again, the teams were separated by Omborenga’s free kick.
Yesterday, Rayon Sports played out a goal less draw against Gicumbi, Marines beat Etoile de l’Est 2-1 while Musanze and Etincelles ended level at Ubworoherane.
Tomorrow at Kigali Stadium, AS Kigali host Mukura while Gorilla will travel to Rubavu to face Rutsiro FC
For more details about fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link
Leandre Essomba Willy Onana scores the lone goal to help Rayon Sports beat Police FC| Photo: IGIHE
Rayon Sports moves second in the Rwanda Premier League as they beat Police FC thanks to Essomba Willy Onana goal. Musanze thrashed Marines 5-1, Mukura brushed Gorilla 1-0, Etincelles recorded the first victory while Etoile de l’Est held APR FC in today’s Match Day 10 surprises
Essomba Onana’s goal was enough for Rayon Sports to secure a hard-fought victory over the cops’ side set up by Alain Kirasa in the absence of Franck Nuttal. Onana showed great composure to glide past Bakame and Rutanga before slotting the ball into the empty net. A beautiful assist from Youssef Rhab.
Today’s goal was Onana’s fifth Rwanda Premier League goal of the season and he tops the scorers chat. The win moves Marcel Romami’s side to second spot with two points behind the table-toppers Kiyovu.
Elsewhere in Musanze district at Ubworoherane stadium, Ugandan attacker, Ben Ocen netted a brace for Musanze FC as they thrashed Marines 5-1.
Ocen opened the score 7 minutes after the kickoff, doubling the lead in the 19th minute before Annicet Muhire “Gasongo” made it three in the 45th minutes to give the hosts an epic first half. Eric Angua and Luc Kwizera scored other goals for Musanze in the second half, while Desire Mugisha scored the lone goal for Marines.
At Umuganda Stadium, Etincelles FC registered an emphatic win over Gicumbi. It was their first win of the season as goals from Isaac Muganza and Rodrigue Murengezi gave them a 2-0 win over 10-man Gicumbi.
In the Eastern Province, APR FC came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Ngoma Stadium against the league newcomers, Etoile de l’Est. APR FC’s head coach, Adil Mohamed as well as his assistant were absent on the touchline due to the illness. Alex Mugabo, the goalkeeping coach and skipper Jacques Tuyisenge led the army side in this game.
Rwanda Premier League Match Day 10 actions resume tomorrow with Gasogi hosting AS Kigali in a lunchtime kickoff at Kigali stadium. This match will be followed by SC Kiyovu vs Rutsiro while Espoir will be locking horns with Bugesera at Rusizi Stadium
Jean Claude Nizeyimana (white) Surrounded by Gasogi defenders | Photo credit: Gorilla FC
Gorilla’s winless streak in the Rwanda Premier League has finally come to an end thanks to a lone goal from Jean Claude Nizeyimana in a tightly contested battle at Kigali Stadium against Gasogi United on matchday 9
Gorilla FC picked up their first League win of the season thanks to Nizeyimana at the 9th time of asking by beating Gasogi United 1-0. Eight games with no win, parting ways with the head coach, appointing an interim coach has been what the club went through until they named Mr Hamiss Sogonya as the head coach.
After an impressive display on the road last week against Rayon Sports, Sogonya hands Gorilla FC the first win of the 2021/2022 season to move up two places from the bottom to the 14th.
The goal Nizeyimana scored in the first half was his second in this season and he is the club’s joint-top scorer with 2 goals alongside Adeshola Johnson. Gorilla has managed to find the back of the net only 6 times in 9 matches which proves how poor Gorilla’s striking force is.
Elsewhere, Rutsiro drew 2-2 with Espoir FC at Umuganda Stadium while 10-man Etoile de l’Est held Bugesera to a goalless draw in Eastern province derby.
Tomorrow, December 18, AS Kigali host Rayon Sports at Kigali Stadium in a much-anticipated match of the matchday 9. Mukura will welcome table-toppers Kiyovu to Huye International Stadium.
For more fixtures, Results and Standings details, follow this link
The Captains, Ismael Gikamba and Alexis Ngirimana tossing the coin before the match | Photo credit: Marine FC
Marines and Mukura Victory Sports shared the spoils in a postponed game from Matchday 3 of Rwanda Premier League as they fought to a goalless draw at Umuganda Stadium.
Both sides struggled to produce the required standard on a consistent basis even if the visitors had numerous occasions to score but the goal post saved Marine’s goalie twice.
In the 10th minute, Aboubacar Djibrine could have opened the score when he tried to convert Tresor’s cross, however, the header hit the crossbar. Marine’s goalkeeper was completely beaten.
In the second half, The Mukura on-form striker, Opoku Williams Mensah could have possibly scored at least two goals but hit the post and another one was ruled out for offside.
The first came 2 minutes after the break when he tried a long-range strike but unfortunately hit the post. Then The big chance of the game occurred in the 58th minute when Opoku scored the goal which was ruled out as an offside.
After this opportunity, Emmanuel Ruremesha, the head coach of Mukura introduced Innocent Ndizeye to take the game but luck was not on his side. Innocent spent only 20 minutes on the pitch before being substituted again because of an injury. At the time, Mukura was playing a frustrating game with many offences as 4 Mukura players got booked in this game.
Vincent Habamahoro was close to being sent off after committing two bookable offences and Ruremesha had to take off him to be replaced by Adams though it all ended in a goalless draw.
In the rankings, Mukura is in the eleventh position with 6 points in 5 games, Marines come in twelfth with 6 points gained in 7 games.
Mukura posing a photo before facing Marines
Following that the Football Federation rescheduling the postponed games, Mukura has a tough fixture ahead. After facing Marines yesterday, they have to travel to Rusizi to lock horns with Espoir on Saturday before heading back to Rubavu again to face Rutsiro on December 14th.
Marines’ next RPL fixture is against Gicumbi away at Gicumbi stadium
Marines FC starting XI against Mukura VS
MARINES XI: Innocent Shema, Felicien Hakizimana, Jean de Dieu Hirwa, Chris Rushema, Ismael Gikamba (C), Froduard Mugiraneza, Gilbert Nshimyumuremyi, Ramadhan Dusingizimana, Ramadhan Ndayisenga, Fiston Ishimwe, Emmanuel Niyitanga
Subs: Assuman Matabaro, Yussuf Habimana, Patrick Ndikumana, Desire Mugisha, Didier Nkusi, Cedrick Samba, Amimu Nahimana, Theotime Ntakirutimana, Christian Nisingizwe
MUKURA VS XI: Nicolas Sebwato, Cedrick Kubwimana,Vincent Habamahoro, Alexis Ngirimana (C), Soter Kayumba, Tresor Muhoza, Robert Mukoghotya, Patrick Murenzi, William Okopu, Aboubacar Djibrine, Patrick Mugisha
Subs: Clement Twagirumukiza, Aphrodis Biraboneye, Moise Nyarugabo, Osamu Muyumbu, Ashraf Kamanzi, Daniel Mwiseneza, Vincent Adams, Innocent Ndizeye and Cedrick Ntawigira
