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APR BBC and REG WBBC Claim Inaugural Rwanda Super Cup Titles Ahead of New Season

Rwanda Super Cup
Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) won the maiden Rwanda Super Cup.
The reigning champions, APR Basketball Club and REG Women’s Basketball Club, claimed the maiden Rwanda Super Cup, signaling their determination to defend their league titles as the new championship tips off in one week.

 

On January 17, the first-ever Rwanda Super Cup saw the league champion face the Rwanda Cup winner to mark the beginning of the new basketball season in both the men’s and women’s categories.

In the men’s game, APR extended their dominance over Rwanda Energy Group (REG), securing a 73-53 win.

Aliou Diarra led the charge with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Israel Otobo’s competitive debut ended prematurely due to a knee injury.

The 2.03-meter Nigerian center remained on the bench for treatment and, after the game, received his medal in a wheelchair, surrounded by his teammates.

Despite Otobo’s injury, APR’s performance remained strong, with Osborn Shema and Diarra stepping up against an unfit Francis Azolipe, who was making his REG debut.

APR’s win over REG emphasizes the Army team’s dominance over the electricians, as they beat them in every competition they met in last season, including a 3-0 sweep in the playoffs, which paved their way to the finals.

In the women’s category, Lamla Umunezero’s 20 points led REG to a 76-64 upset over APR, securing their first trophy of 2025.

Rwanda Super Cup
The 22-year-old Lamla Umunezero guided REG to their first Rwanda Super Cup title.

REG has dominated APR in this category, having defeated them in a one-sided seven-game final series to win the RBL 2024 title, outscoring them in the FIBA WBLA Zonal Qualifiers, and now triumphing in the Rwanda Super Cup.

Rwanda Super Cup
Rwanda Energy Group Women Basketball Club

The two games, played at BK Arena on Friday night, revealed that both teams still lack fitness ahead of the championship, which will tip off in one week.

APR BBC and REG WBBC will begin their quests to defend their league titles on Friday and Saturday, respectively, against Flame and UR.

Photos: Innocent Shema

APR and REG Teams to Compete for Maiden Super Cup.

Super Cup
APR and REG, in both the men’s and women’s categories, will face off this Friday, January 17, competing for the first-ever Super Cup, which marks the start of the 2025 basketball season in Rwanda. 

 

Kigali’s BK Arena will host the Rwanda Super Cup on Friday night to tip off the new basketball season.

The Super Cup, one of the General Assembly resolutions, will, starting this year, pit the league champion against the Rwanda Cup winner to mark the beginning of the new season in both the men’s and women’s categories.

APR Basketball Club claimed the league title and clinched the inaugural Rwanda Cup in the men’s category. They will face REG BBC, the Rwanda Cup finalist, as per the competition’s rules.

On their way to last season’s title, APR swept past REG 4-0, setting up finals against the Patriots, where they triumphed 4-2 to defend their crown. Will the Super Cup be the electricians’ opportunity for revenge?

In the women’s category, the rivalry will resume as the reigning league champions, REG Women BBC, will take on APR Women BBC, the Rwanda Cup winners. The two teams faced off multiple times at the end of last year, with Rwanda Energy Group prevailing each time.

REG swept APR 4-0 to claim the 2024 RBL title and went on to defeat them again in Zanzibar during the FIBA WBLA Zonal Qualifiers. However, APR’s bronze medal at the FIBA WBLA in Dakar will inspire them to challenge REG’s in the Super Cup ahead of new season.

Super Cup
APR and REG are the powerhouses of women’s Rwandan basketball.

The women’s game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m., followed by the men’s clash at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticqet.rw.

The Rwanda Basketball League will officially be launched on January 24, one week after the Super Cup.

Excitement Builds as Rwanda Volleyball League Second Phase Serves Off This Friday.

Rwanda Volleyball
The second phase of the Rwanda Volleyball National League begins on Friday, January 17, at Petit Stade, with Police VC and RRA seeking to preserve their perfect records in both the men’s and women’s categories.

 

After a month-long break for the festive season and the first leg break, the volleyball action shifts from sand to indoor courts as teams resume their journey toward the Rwanda Volleyball League 2024-25 title.

Fred Musoni’s police team finished the first phase unbeaten, with seven victories, and will start the second phase against REG VC—the same opponent they faced in the league opener.

Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club triumphed over REG in a straight-sets match lasting 1:09:11, marking a stylish start to the 2024/2025 league season. This dominant victory motivated them to outshine the other six teams and finish the first leg in pole position.

FRVB scheduled this highly anticipated match for 7:00 PM, with REG—who finished second after the first leg—seeking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss in the opening round
If they fail to respond, they could suffer a double defeat against a direct title contender in the regular season.

Before the Police-REG clash, Rwanda Revenue Authority will face Kepler WVC at 5:00 PM. The tax collectors are currently at the top of the women’s standings with a perfect 7-0 record from the first leg.

Elie Mutabazi’s RRA will continue pursuing the league title, which the team last won in 2023, as they face the league debutants. Despite a narrow 3-0 loss (25-22, 25-21, 25-22) to RRA in a closely contested first-leg match, Kepler has shown strong competitiveness in their debut season.

Kepler finished fourth in the first leg, a position that guarantees a playoff berth if they maintain it through the end of the regular season.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League 2024-25 season features 8 teams in each category, and the top four teams will advance to the playoffs to determine the league champions.

RPL: Mukura and Amagaju Stand Tall in Huye, Toppling APR and Rayon Sports.

RPL
The highly anticipated Rwanda Premier League (RPL) Match Day 15 doubleheader in Huye District, which marked the climax of the first leg, saw Mukura and Amagaju defend their home turf and claim bragging rights by overcoming league powerhouses Rayon Sports and APR.

 

Amagaju FC shocked APR FC 1-0, a day after Mukura Victory Sports stunned league leaders Rayon Sports 2-1, both matches held at Huye Stadium.

Mukura Victory Sports ended Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run in the 2024-25 RPL season, stopping it at 14 games with a thrilling encounter.

Jordan Dimbumba opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Fred Niyonizeye doubled the Yellow and Blacks’ lead three minutes later, giving the home team a 2-0 advantage at halftime.

RPL
Two first-half goals helped Mukura bring an end to Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run

Fall Ngagne pulled one back for Rayon Sports eight minutes into the second half with a penalty, but the resilient Mukura held on until the 90th minute, despite the pressure from Rayon Sports fans who filled Huye Stadium.

The final 2-1 result in favor of Mukura set the stage for the eagerly anticipated Sunday matchup between Amagaju and APR to conclude Match Day 15 of the first leg.

What goes around comes around: While APR fans were still celebrating Mukura’s victory, Amagaju added more drama to the weekend by defeating APR 1-0, thanks to Eduard Ndayishimiye’s 56th-minute goal.

The standings at the top remained unchanged, with Rayon Sports finishing the first leg with 36 points, 5 points clear of second-placed APR. Mukura and Amagaju sat in 7th and 8th positions, respectively, with both teams having 21 points each.

The Huye district enjoyed a vibrant three-day extra-football atmosphere, with parties and celebrations extending beyond the matches and local businesses such as restaurants, bars, and hotels experiencing high demand from Friday evening through Sunday.

The RPL second leg is scheduled to begin in early February, contingent upon the national team’s participation in the CHAN tournament.

RPL Adjusts Mukura-Rayon Sports Kickoff to 5 p.m.

RPL
The Rwanda Premier League (RPL) has approved Mukura’s request to reschedule their fixture against Rayon Sports to Saturday, January 11, at 5 p.m. at Huye Stadium.

 

The Rwanda Premier League released a statement this Tuesday regarding the Matchday 15 fixture between Mukura Victory Sports and Rayon Sports.

In the statement, RPL addressed recent speculation about the kickoff time and confirmed that they had received and approved Mukura’s request to shift the kickoff to 5 p.m.

The Mukura versus Rayon Sports match is one of the most anticipated fixtures of RPL Matchday 15, as the Blues travel to the Southern Province to maintain their unbeaten run and continue their pursuit of league glory, which has eluded them since 2019.

Mukura once halted APR’s longest unbeaten run and is poised to present a tough challenge to the Blues, potentially stopping their current form. The two teams share a longstanding and friendly rivalry, with both enjoying significant fan bases in the Southern Province.

The Yellow and Blacks currently sit in 8th position with 18 points, half of Rayon Sports’ 36 points at the top of the table.

The matchup is one of the most-watched matches in the Rwanda Premier League. As of the time of publishing, Huye-based Mukura has announced that fans have already booked 81% of VVIP, 42% of VIP, 28% of regular, and 42% of general seats, meaning that ticket buyers have reserved 41% of the total seats at Huye Stadium just 76 hours before kickoff.

Huye District will be the epicenter of Rwanda Premier League action this weekend, as the second-placed APR will also face Amagaju on Sunday at the same venue.

Beach Volleyball: Paul Akan and Jahara Koita Halt the Long-Dominant Pair of Ntagengwa and Kavalo.

Beach Volleyball
The second phase of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour saw a remarkable upset as Paul Akan from Ghana and Jahara Koita from Gambia halted the long-time dominance of the pair Olivier Ntagengwa and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Munezero and Benitha’s consistent performance went uninterrupted.

 

Volleyball enthusiasts flocked to King Fisher Resort in Rwesero for the first weekend of 2025, where a Ghanaian-Gambian duo triumphed in the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Phase 2.

Ghanaian Paul Akan, a regular partner of Prince Kanamugire, switched partners to join Gambian Jahara Koita, forming a strengthened duo to challenge Rwanda’s dominant beach volleyball pair of Ntagengwa and Kavalo.

The exciting three-day event that attracted 22 pairs culminated on Sunday, January 5, with a thrilling final. Akan and Koita defeated Ntagengwa and Kavalo in straight sets (21-15, 21-19) to claim the gold medals.

Meanwhile, Mandela Nzirimo and Revis Niyikiza, another emerging beach volleyball pair, secured the bronze medals by beating David Neeke and Jean Paul Muyisenge 2-1.

In the women’s category, Rwanda’s top pair, Munezero and Benitha, maintained their flawless streak, showing no signs of slowing down. The duo has been dominating local competitions, building strong chemistry, and earning valuable points that have helped them rise in the FIVB Women’s Beach Volleyball World Rankings.

Beach Volleyball
Munezero and Benitha are dominating Rwanda’s local beach volleyball tournaments, going unchallenged

Following their triumph in Phase 1, Munezero and Benitha earned 40 points, bringing their total to 1,336 points, which moved them from 145th to 124th in the global rankings and 5th to 4th in Africa.

Valentine Munezero and Benitha Mukandayisenga defeated Penelope Musabyimana and Amito Sharon 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) in the final, adding this gold medal to the one they recently claimed at the Mamba Beach Volleyball tournament last month.

In this category, Francoise Yankurije and Aliane Nirere claimed third place by defeating Iris Ndagijimana and Sande Meldinah 2-0.

Apart from medals, the winners of this phase pocketed three hundred thousand Rwandan francs, while the second-place pair received two hundred thousand Rwandan francs, and the third-place pair took home one hundred thousand Rwandan francs.

Beach Volleyball
Raphael Ngarambe, President of the FRVB, awarded gold medals and a trophy to Jahara Koita (L) and Paul Akan.
Beach Volleyball
Valentine Munezero (L), Raphael Ngarambe and Benitha Mukandayisenga

The Rwanda Volleyball Federation has scheduled the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Phase 3 for June 2025, at the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District.

Rwanda’s beach volleyball national tours have grown highly competitive, as the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) recognizes them, giving players the chance to earn points that impact their rankings in the FIVB World Rankings.

Beach Volleyball
the Winners of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour II

Image credits: derio_images

Youssou Diagne Leads Rayon Sports to 2-0 Win, Stays Top of RPL.

Youssou Diagne
The Senegalese defender Youssou Diagne broke the deadlock in the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 14 against Police FC and stood firm in defense to help his side, Rayon Sports, secure their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches.

 

Rayon Sports defeated Police FC 2-0 on Saturday, January 5, in a rescheduled RPL matchday 14, continuing the strong form they finished 2024 with.

Gikundiro, with four Senegalese players in the starting lineup, shone from the beginning, and goal machine Fall Ngagne nearly won a penalty. However, referee Samuel Uwikunda booked him for diving.

Rayon Sports skipper and assist leader, Kevin Muhire, suffered an early injury and was replaced by Hadji Iraguha, allowing Fiston Ishimwe to take over the flank for the rest of the match.

Youssou Diagne opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the first half, thanks to a courtesy pass from his Senegalese compatriot Fall Ngagne.

The second half saw Police coach Vincent Mashami shake up his lineup, bringing on Didier Mugisha and Simeon Iradukunda for Muhadjiri Hakizimana and captain Eric Nsabimana. However, their efforts to connect with Ani Elijah fell short as the Senegalese defense, led by Youssou Diagne and Omar Gning, remained firm.

In the 63rd minute, a drive from Malian wonderkid Adama Bagayoko in the box forced Carnot Shami to score an own goal, doubling Rayon Sports’ lead.

Police FC continued to pressure the Blues, but a fast-paced Rayon Sports winger, Aziz Bassane, outpaced Carnot Shami in a one-on-one situation. Shami, with limited options, fouled Bassane, resulting in a second yellow card and his subsequent red card.

Youssou Diagne
Police’s right-back, Carnot Shami (#28 Dark), had a difficult second half, receiving two yellow cards and scoring an own goal

The 2-0 result at full time saw Youssou Diagne’s Rayon Sports register their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches. Robertinho’s coached team now has 36 points from 11 wins in 14 matches.

Rayon Sports boasts the best attack in the league with 24 goals while conceding the fewest (4). Senegalese attacker Fall Ngagne leads the scoring chart with 8 goals, while Youssou Diagne’s defense not only has the most clean sheets but also the fewest goals conceded.

Rayon Sports’ impressive statistics keep them at the top of the standings, 8 points clear of second-placed APR FC.

Youssou Diagne and Rayon Sports will return to the pitch on January 11, away to Mukura in the Huye district.

Uganda Set to Host the 2025 CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship

CAVB ZONE V
Uganda is gearing up to host one of the most prestigious volleyball events in the region—the CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship.

Scheduled from February 16 to February 23, 2025, the tournament will take place at the iconic Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala, setting the stage for a thrilling week of regional volleyball action.

This announcement by the CAVB Zone V Executive Committee designates Kampala as the host city for the annual championship, organized in collaboration with the Uganda Volleyball Federation. The event signifies a historic moment for Uganda, as it will be the first major regional volleyball competition under the leadership of Sadik Nasiwu, who became CAVB Zone V President in 2024, succeeding Rwanda’s Fernand Ruterana.

A Packed Schedule

The championship will kick off with team arrivals and a technical meeting on February 16, followed by six days of intense competition from February 17 to February 22. Teams will depart on February 23, concluding the event.

The tournament will feature the top three teams from each of the 12 CAVB Zone V member countries, with defending champions allowed to send four teams. This promises a highly competitive event, as the Rwanda National Police (men) and Kenya Pipeline Corporation (women) aim to defend their titles against formidable challengers.

Uganda’s Strong Volleyball Legacy

Kampala’s selection as host reflects Uganda’s proven track record in organizing international volleyball events. Notably, the city hosted the All-Africa Games qualifiers for women in 2019. Although Uganda’s bid to host the 2020 Women’s U-20 African Nations Championship was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this championship presents a new opportunity to shine on the regional stage.

Diverse Regional Representation

CAVB Zone V comprises 12 countries—Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—ensuring a diverse and vibrant competition. Fans can anticipate a rich exchange of culture and talent throughout the tournament.

High Hopes for Uganda’s Teams

Uganda’s recent performances in regional volleyball have set high expectations. The Sport-S Volleyball Club finished second in the men’s category during the 2023 championship, while the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) team secured fifth place in the women’s category. With the advantage of playing on home soil, Uganda’s teams are poised to deliver strong performances and potentially claim top honors.

A Showcase of Talent and Opportunity

Star players from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are expected to light up the courts with their exceptional skills. The championship serves as a platform for players to gain international exposure, attract sponsorships, and inspire the next generation of volleyball enthusiasts.

Beyond Sports: Economic and Cultural Impact

The championship will bring economic benefits to Uganda, boosting local businesses such as hotels, transport services, and vendors. It also provides an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s hospitality and cultural richness to the region. Visitors will have the chance to explore Kampala’s vibrant cultural and historical attractions, enhancing the country’s profile as a tourist destination.

Meticulous Preparations Underway

The Uganda Volleyball Federation and the local organizing committee are working tirelessly to ensure a flawless event. From logistical planning to promotional campaigns, every aspect is being carefully managed to deliver an unforgettable championship.

Anticipation Builds

As the countdown to February 2025 begins, excitement is mounting among athletes, fans, and officials. The CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship promises not only electrifying matches but also a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and regional camaraderie.

For Uganda, this event is a golden opportunity to solidify its status as a hub for international sports and to inspire future volleyball stars. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable let the games begin!

Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament 2024: Akumuntu/Ntagengwa and Munezero/Benitha Claim Gold in Thrilling Finals.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
The 2024 Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament came to a spectacular close on Sunday, December 22, with gold medals awarded to the dynamic pairs of Akumuntu/Ntagengwa in the men’s category and Munezero/Benitha in the women’s competition.

 

The event, which spanned three action-packed days from December 20 to 22, exhibited thrilling volleyball action on the sandy courts of Mamba Club and Green-park Gahanga.

Now in its 16th edition and second as an expanded tournament, the Mamba Volleyball Club—comprising former volleyball players in Rwanda—has organized a beach volleyball event that has gained prominence, and the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) has officially added it to their annual schedule.

After the group stage and knockout matches on Friday and Saturday, Mamba hosted the exciting finals on Sunday to conclude the three-day event.

In the men’s final, seasoned Patrick Akumuntu and Olivier Ntagengwa won the gold medal, defeating Paul Akan and Prince Kanamugire 21-19, 21-19 in a tough contest.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Kavalo attempting to block Akan’s attack.

Johara and Matheus claimed the bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Mandela and Levis.

The women’s final was nothing short of spectacular, with Rwanda’s top beach volleyball duo, Valentine Munezero and Benitha Mukandayisenga, battling it out against fellow APR volleyball teammates Penelope Musabyimana and Sharon Amito.

Munezero and Benitha edged out a close first set, 21-18, but Penelope and Sharon bounced back in the second, taking it 21-15 to level the match. The energy on the court soared, but Munezero and Benitha’s strong chemistry carried them through the final set, which they won 15-12 to claim the gold medal.

The battle was intense for former allies, now opponents, as Penelope Musabyimana and Valentine Munezero share a long history as childhood partners, having won a youth bronze medal together at the 2017 Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Valentine Munezero serving the ball.
Mamba Beach Volleyball
Penelope Musabyimana, a childhood ally of Valentine Munezero.

Catherine Ainembabazi and Judith Hakizimana clinched the bronze medal in the women’s competition, beating Sandra and Jennifer 2-0.

In the veteran’s category, the final saw Mamba Beach Club’s sponsored pair, Gerard Muziganyi and Olivier Akimana, triumph over the Green Park-Gahanga-backed couple of Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye and Bosco Bayizere. Muziganyi and Akimana dominated the match, winning 2-0 (21-10, 21-16).

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye (1) and Bosco Bayizere (2) in green pose with officials and Gerard Muziganyi (1) & Olivier Akimana (2).

The awarding ceremony celebrated the tournament’s success, with Mamba presenting substantial prizes to the winners in all categories.

Mamba awarded Rwf 300,000 to the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories, Rwf 200,000 to the runners-up, and Rwf 150,000 to the third-place finishers.

Mr. Raphael Ngarambe, President of the FRVB, praised Mamba Volleyball Club during the ceremony for its key role in advancing beach volleyball in Rwanda. He also recognized the tournament’s growing significance and announced its official inclusion in the FRVB’s annual calendar.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
From left to right: Dieudonné Nzeyimana, Secretary General of Mamba; Pierre Shema, Vice President of Mamba; Raphaël Ngarambe, President of FRVB; Christian Shingiro, President of Mamba; Josée Umutesi, Treasurer of Mamba; and Olivier Rwigema.

“We, as the federation, have seen the tournament’s growth, and we are pleased to officially include it in Rwanda’s annual volleyball calendar,” Ngarambe said, reflecting on the tournament’s growth and appeal.

Mamba Beach Volleyball 2024 attracted 10 professional men’s pairs, 4 women’s pairs, and 13 veteran pairs.

More Pictures:

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Amavubi Suffer 3-2 Loss to South Sudan, Qualification Hopes in Jeopardy

CHAN 2025
Juba, South Sudan – The bright stars handed the Rwanda national football team, the Amavubi, a 3-2 defeat in the first leg of their CHAN 2025 qualifiers on Sunday.

 

Defender Aimable Nsabimana’s early own goal dashed Rwanda’s hopes of securing a positive result in Juba.

The mistake left Amavubi playing catch-up from the outset, and their task became even more difficult when South Sudan’s Mandela Malish doubled the lead in the 21st minute.

Amavubi started the second half with renewed determination, with captain Kevin Muhire leading the way Just four minutes after the break, Muhire scored to give the Amavubi a glimmer of hope, but their joy was short-lived.

South Sudan quickly regained control when Ebon Ezen Malish scored in the 54th minute to restore the Bright Stars’ two-goal advantage.

A substitute, Didier Mugisha, trimmed the margin once again in the 66th minute, but the Bright Stars held firm in the remaining minutes of the match, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory in favor of South Sudan.

The loss in Juba complicates Rwanda’s journey to CHAN 2025, as the CECAFA region has four slots in the final tournament, and only one of them is up for grabs.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have automatic qualification as host nations, while Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi are all fighting for the remaining spot.

Therefore, even a win against South Sudan in the second leg on December 28 at Amahoro Stadium does not guarantee Amavubi’s qualification.

A complicated scenario is likely to unfold after the second leg matches, with five teams vying for a single spot, each in separate matchups.