Basketball action is back as the 2021 BKBNL tip-off today

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June 4, 2021

Only a few days after the inaugural BAL championship, the 2021 season of the Bank of Kigali Basketball National League BKBNL tips off today June 4, 2021.

This season starts late as the calendar has been shifted regarding measures to prevent the coronavirus pandemic. This edition will be played in a group format to speed it up thus the national team will have enough time to prepare for the AfroBasket games scheduled for August 2021 here in Kigali.

In the opening games of the first day of the BKBNL, The title holder, Patriots face off Shoot for The Stars. Patriots had just finished participating in the concluded BAL games five days ago finishing in 4th place.

REG BBC, the winner of the BKBNL Pre-season tournament will start the campaign against Rusizi BBC.

In the women’s category, only one game is scheduled for today, in the southern province, where UR Huye hosts their neighbors, RP-IPRC Huye. The Hoops Rwanda, titleholders in the women’s category of the BKBNL will be up against their rivals APR WBBC this Saturday.

For more details about this league click here for Men’s League. Click here for Women’s League.

The Fixtures for today.

In Women’s Category.

17:00 CAT, UR vs RP-IPRC Huye @ UR Campus, HUYE

Men’s Category.

17:00 CAT, Patriots vs Shoot @ Petit Stade
17:00 CAT, REG vs Rusizi BBC @ Amahoro Court
19:00 CAT, APR vs 30 Plus @ Petit Stade
19:00 CAT, UGB vs IPRC-Musanze @ Amahoro Court
19:00 CAT, IPRC-Huye vs Espoir @IPRC Kigali

NOTE: Due to covid-19 restrictions, fans will not be allowed to attend the games.

Two Controversial Vipers SC Goals Decide Stanbic Uganda Cup Semi-Finalist.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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June 4, 2021

Bobosi Byaruhanga and Milton Karisa score the goals that sealed Vipers SC’s place in the semi-finals but left SC Villa technical staff and fans fuming for controversies in the goals.

Bobosi struck from a free-kick that caught Ndahiro off guard after failing to deal with it and crossed the goal line as Milton Marisa goal hit the crossbar and hit inside past the goal line and dropped back into play as SC Villa fans protested for close to ten mins for no goal but Centre Referee and Assistant Referee had already awarded the goal.

No yellow cards were shown for the nasty incidents from SC Villa players and technical staff for all the time they were protesting for the goals.

Instead, Congolese Hitman Ceasor Manzoki picked up a yellow card in the 88th minute for a dangerous foul on SC Villa midfield Joseph Nsubuga.

After close to 10 minutes of protest after Milton Karisa goal Assistant referee added only 4 minutes for stoppage time. The two debatable questionable goals decided the encounter on who joins Bul FC on the Semi-Finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

Vipers SC was beating SC Villa for a 3rd time this season after claiming a double in the league. SC Villa had to play 30 minutes with ten men after Ronald Sekiganda picked up a second yellow card and saw marching orders in the 62nd minute for a dangerous foul on Bobosi who had conquered Midfield at the Bombo Barracks Military Grounds.

SC Villa 0 2 Vipers SC.
Vipers SC advance on 3 1 aggregate advantage.

Big Talent FC Loses Their 1st Game Against Struggling Aidenal SOSA FC.

By

Barry Tugume

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June 4, 2021

Eddie Kenzo’s side Big Talent FC was yet to record a loss until toiling Aidenal SOSA FC forced a 3-6 win.

Goal Machine Kampala Junior team FC’s Billy Nkata continued his scoring form and put 3 past Mengo FC but couldn’t help his team overcome resilient Mengo FC who top Albert Nile group with 13 points as Kampala Junior team FC continue to lag at the bottom of the table with only 1 point.

Synergy FC continued their dominance as they dispatched Park FC in a 4-2 encounter. They top Victoria Nile Group with 23 points having not lost any single game in 5 with one game to play to confirm their unbeaten run in group stages.

Big Talent FC against Aidenal SOSA FC produced 9 goals as Eddie Kenzo’s side was on the receiving side and lost 6-3, Aidenal SOSA FC is two points behind Big Talent FC and believes they can upset any of them in the last game in the group stages of the FSL in case they don’t win their remaining fixture.

Nkata Billy is the leading top performer with ten goals after picking a hat trick against Mengo FC.

Matchday 5 RESULTS:
Synergy FC 4-2 Park FC.
Kabowa FC 0-3 Kisenyi FC.
Kampala Junior Team FC 3-4 Mengo FC.
Big Talent FC 3-6 Aidenal SOSA FC.

BAL: Zamalek are crowned champions, BAL honored African NBA Legends

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 31, 2021

Egypt’s Zamalek became the first-ever champions of the Basketball Africa League after overcoming US Monastir in a final game. BAL named 3 player awards after three African NBA legends.

In a spectacular game between two North African teams in the inaugural Basketball Africa League final, the Egyptian giants, Zamalek defeated Tunisia’s US Monastir 76-63 at the Kigali Arena to become the first-ever BAL Champions.

Both teams were favorite in the beginning and had unbeaten runs in this tournament before rubbing shoulders on Sunday 30, 2021 in the magnificent Kigali Arena.

Zamalek trailed US Monastir 22-17 at the end of the first quarter before gaining the lead in the second quarter and went into the break with a 2 point lead, 44-42. The Egyptian champions maintained that lead in the next two quarters and finished the game with 76-63.

In the early game, Angola’s Petro de Luanda clinched third place after thrashing Rwanda’s Patriots 97-68.

Following the completion of this successful Africa League, awards have been given for the players who have excelled in this competition. The awards were named after the African NBA legends.

The Most Valuable Player, MVP is named after Nigerian Hakeem Olajuwon and Zamalek’s Walter Hodge claims it to become the first Hakeem Olajuwon BAL MVP. Hodge is a former US Monastir player.

Zamalek’s Walter Hodge. Hakeem Olajuwon BAL Most Valuable Player | Courtesy Photo

BAL defensive prayer of the tournament is named after DRC’s Dikembe Mutombo who was in attendance of the final game. Zamalek’s Anas Osama Mahmoud won Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the inaugural season.

Anas Mahmoud. Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the inaugural season | Courtesy Photo

The sportsmanship award is named in honor of South Sudan’s Manute Bol. This award goes to the Tunisia International and US Monastir forward, Makrem Ben Romdhane.

Romdhane, Jersey number 24, will be remembered for this sportsmanship action to GNBC’s Devon Ridley

Basketball Africa League, a brainchild of the NBA-FIBA partnership, replaces Africa Basketball League as the continent’s top-tier league. In his speech at the opening ceremony, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall said BAL is going to be one of the absolutely professional leagues in the world in the years to come.

Vincent Mashami has called up 34 players to prepare for the two friendly matches against The Central Africa Republic

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 29, 2021

Rwanda National Football Team head coach, Vincent Mashami has called up 34 players to be used in the two friendly matches between the Amavubi Stars and the Central African Republic scheduled early next month.

Rwanda is set to play Mali and Kenya in September 2021 in the World Cup qualifiers. Therefore these friendly matches that are scheduled for June 4, 2021, and June 7, 2021, at the Amahoro Stadium, will serve as preparations.

List of players called up:

Goalkeepers:

1. MVUYEKURE Emery (Tusker FC, Kenya)
2. NDAYISHIMIYE Eric (AS Kigali)
3. BUHAKE TWIZERE Clément (Strommen IF, Norway)
4. NTWARI Fiacre (Marine FC)

Defenders:

5. RWATUBYAYE Abdul (Shkupi FK, Macedonia)
6. NIRISARIKE Salomon (URARTU FC, Armenia)
7. MANZI Thierry (APR FC)
8. MUTSINZI Ange (APR FC)
9. BAYISENGE Emery (AS Kigali)
10. NIYIGENA Clément (Rayon Sports FC)
11. RUKUNDO Dennis (Police FC, Uganda)
12. ISHIMWE Christian (AS Kigali)
13. RUTANGA Eric (Police FC)
14. IRADUKUNDA Eric (Police FC)
15. NGWABIJE Bryan Clovis (SC Lyon, France)

Midfielders:

16. NIYONZIMA Olivier (APR FC)
17. RUBONEKA Jean Bosco (APR FC)
18. NISHIMWE Blaise (Rayon Sports FC)
19. BIZIMANA Djihad (KMSK Deinze, Belgium)
20. HAKIZIMANA Muhadjir (AS Kigali)
21. MANISHIMWE Djabel (APR FC)
22. TWIZEYIMANA Martin Fabrice (Police FC)
23. SAMUEL Gueulette (RAAL La Louvière, Belgium)

Forwards:

24. NSHUTI Savio Dominique (Police FC)
25. KWITONDA Alain (BUGESERA FC)
26. KAGERE Medie (Simba SC, Tanzania)
27. TWIZERIMANA Onesme (Musanze FC)
28. TUYISENGE Jacques (APR FC)
29. IRADUKUNDA Jean Bertrand (Gasogi United)
30. MUGUNGA Yves (APR FC)
31. BYIRINGIRO Lague (APR FC)
32. KEVIN Monnet Paquet (St Etienne, France)
33. MICO Justin (Police FC)
34. RAFAEL York (AFC Eskilstuna, Sweden)

2021 AfroBasket: Rwanda drawn in the same Group A as giants Angola and neighbors DRC

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 28, 2021

The draw ceremony for the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 took place today Friday at the Mariott Hotel in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

Rwanda has been drawn in Group A alongside Angola, DRC, and the team that will finish third in the halted qualification from Group E games.

Apart from the hosts, Rwanda, other East African countries have learned their opponents in the upcoming tournament too. This draw has put Kenya in Group C with strong contenders Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali.

South Sudan has been pitted in Group D alongside Senegal, Cameroon, and the team that will finish second in Group E qualifiers games scheduled between June 15th and July 15th at a venue yet to be confirmed. South Sudan will not be guests in Kigali Arena as they often conduct their training camps in Kigali.

Uganda will have to complete their qualification games in Group E against Egypt, Morocco, and Cape Verde where only one victory is needed for the Silverbacks to seal the 2021 AfroBasket Qualification.

The 30th edition of the AfroBasket will be held from August 24th to September 5th, 2021, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Draw Results:

Group A: Rwanda, Angola, DRC, and 3rd Place Group E
Group B: Tunisia, Egypt, Central Africa Republic, and Guinea
Group C: Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Kenya
Group D: Senegal, Cameroon, South Sudan, and 2nd Place Group E

Patriots clinched the last semi-final spot in a thrilled game attended by 2 heads of states and many celebrities

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

May 28, 2021

Rwanda’s Patriots defeated Ferroviarrio de Maputo in a nail-biting encounter to claim the 4th slot in the BAL semi-final. A game attended by President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame alongside his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.

In the hard-fought game of the quarter-finals of the African Basketball League, the hosts, Patriots overcame Mozambique’s Ferroviarrio 73-71 to become the only team in the semi-final that played this inaugural BAL coming through the qualifiers.

Teams from BAL Predetermined counties, Petro de Luanda (Angola), Zamalek ( Egypt), and US Monastir (Tunisia) had already booked their quarter-final slots.

All these teams have previously won the Basketball African Clubs Championship, the league that was replaced by Basketball Africa League. Thus Patriots had to fight for the nation’s pride as the host and join these African giants in the last four. The crowd played a big role in the night’s victory.

Presidents, Kagame and Macron following the game | Courtesy Photo

Before the crucial encounter, the famous American rapper and Basketball player, Jermaine Lamarr Cole completed his contractual obligation to BAL and bid farewell to the Patriots for what was said to be a family obligation.

In the game, Patriots struggled to play the end of the game again as their big man, Prince Ibeh fouled out while Brandon Costner had 4 fouls in the whole last quarter. Bush Wamukota finished the game with 4 Personal fouls too.

Kenneth Gasana displayed another high-level performance which earned him a player of the game. 23 points, 1 assist, and 5 rebounds. However, the Patriots skipper, Aristide Mugabe who started on the bench was the game-changer.

Mugabe’s play in the fourth quarter was a big reason he has carried the club captaincy for 6 years. He made 4 straight three-pointers. His lackluster performance last night drove his side forward and proved his leadership.

Patriots' Mugabe and Gasana — Patriots’ Mugabe and Gasana, the heroes of the game celebrating the job well done | Credit: BAL

This is not the first time that a Rwandan team has reached the semi-finals of the Africa Club Championship. In 2009, APR BBC finished 3rd in a competition held at Amahoro Petit Stade, Kigali

The BAL semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2021. Petro de Luanda takes on Zamalek before the Patriots face US Monastir again.

President Macron salutes FIBA executives. FIBA President, Hamane Niang, FIBA Africa President, Anibal Manave, and FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bile | Photo credit: Kigali Today

Masai Ujiri, President of basketball operations of the Toronto Raptors and Amadou Gallo Fall, The President of BAL and managing director of NBA Africa | Photo Credit: Kigali Today

Joakim Noah, Former NBA player among the celebrities that attended this game | Photo Credit: Kigali Today

“SC Villa can beat anyone” Coach Edward Kaziba Applauds His Side.

By

Barry Tugume

-

May 27, 2021

Coach Edward Kaziba’s men rallied from behind for a hard-fought stalemate with Vipers SC in the first Leg of Stanbic Uganda Cup at St Mary’s Kitende Stadium.

Uganda cup Quarter Finals. 1st Leg.
Vipers Sc 1-1 Sc Villa.
St Mary’s Kitende Stadium.

Last 16 2nd Leg.
Kigezi Homeboys Fc 1-2 Bul Fc.
Bul Fc advance on 4-2 aggregate.

Lawrence Tezikya scored for Vipers SC in the 79th minute as Ronald Ssekiganda headed away in the stoppage time to cancel the Vipers SC goal that had come a few minutes a go.

Coach Edward Kaziba spoke to media after the game and this is what he had to say.
“I am very happy with our boys, they executed our game plan, we got a very important away goal and we hope to build on that. We can beat anyone in the league”.

Edward Kaziba’s side will face off Vipers SC in a decider 2nd Leg in Luwero Bombo Military grounds on 2nd June to find out who progresses to the last 8.

And in Kabare. Bul FC beat Kigezi Home Boys FC in a 2-1 win played at Kabare Municipal Stadium.

Teenager Owen Mukisa scored the winner a brilliant header in almost stoppage time to deny Kigezi Home Boys FC a chance to advance to the last 8.

Musa Esenu a veteran playmaker and Owen Mukisa were on target as Jonathan Mutesa had put Kigezi Home Boys FC in front but his goal couldn’t help his team progress to the next round.

Bul FC will play champions Proline FC in the quarter finals and First Leg will be played on Friday 28th May at MTN Philip Omondi Stadium Lugogo.

Futsal Super League Enters Round 2, Musician Eddie Kenzo Pays A Courtesy Visit

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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May 26, 2021

Former Futsal Super League champions Park FC registered their first win of the season after humbling Kisenyi FC.

Thanks to goals from Jnr Abas who got his first hat trick of the season, Iddi Babu the veteran futsal hero, and Sam Kakyango who put two goals past the struggling Kisenyi based club.

Mengo FC is the first club to have booked a place in the semi-finals. Mengo FC punished Aidenal SOSA FC 5-1 which was the opening game of MD4. Mengo FC tops the Albert Nile group table with 2 points clear of 2nd placed Big Talent FC.

Big Talent FC played to a 4 all draw with improving Kampala Junior Team FC as Musician Kenzo was in the stands cheering and supporting his boys.

Billy Nkata the KJT sensational playmaker, Big Talent FC Farouk Tumwesigye, and Abdul Swaburu lead the top performers with 7 goals each.

Matchday 4 Results of the Futsal Super League:

Aidenal SOSA FC 1-5 Mengo FC.
Big Talent FC 4-4 Kampala Junior Team FC.
Yeak Kabowa FC 3-5 Synergy FC.
Kisenyi FC 1-6 Park FC.

The Futsal Super League will get on court on Saturday 29th May with MD5 Fixtures.

Synergy FC vs Park FC.
Yeak Kabowa FC vs Kisenyi FC.
Kampala Junior team FC vs Mengo FC.
Big Talent FC vs Aidenal FC.

Jimmy Ndayizeye and Le Messager are back to back Burundian champions

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

May 25, 2021

Jimmy Ndayizeye’s Le Messager Ngozi FC is crowned champion of the Burundi Primus League 2020-2021 after beating Flambeau du centre 2-0 at Urukundo stadium in Ngozi Province.

Le Messager, who had not topped the league table since the start of the season, went on to play the last match of the league with the hopes that if they beat Flambeau du Centre, they would finish top. However, this guarantee came under one condition that Kayanza United would not score more than 8 goals against a relegated side Les Elephants in their final match.

The battle was not easy as Kayanza who visited Les Elephants that had already been relegated thrashing them 8-0. One more goal was needed to end the hopes of the Ngozi-based side fans that fully packed Urukundo Stadium waiting to celebrate the trophy.

Le Messager’s 2 goals helped them regain the trophy they won last season and Jimmy Ndayizeye become the first coach to help Messager to win the league back to back.

This is the third trophy clinched by Messager in the last 4 seasons and they will be Burundi’s flag bearer in next year’s CAF Champions League while The runner-up, Kayanza United will represent Burundi in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Kayanza United striker, Rukundo Abdoulrahman’s four goals against Les Elephants on the last match-day helped him to finish on top of the goal scorers list with 15 goals.

2020-2021 Primus League top scorer, Abdoulrahman Rukundo | Courtesy Photo

Next season, the promoted Top Junior, Flambeau de l’est, and Les Crocos will compete in Burundi Primus League replacing the relegated Inter Star, Les Elephants, and Muzinga.

For the results, rankings and top scorers details, click here

Basketball action is back as the 2021 BKBNL tip-off today

Only a few days after the inaugural BAL championship, the 2021 season of the Bank of Kigali Basketball National League BKBNL tips off today June 4, 2021.

Two Controversial Vipers SC Goals Decide Stanbic Uganda Cup Semi-Finalist.

Bobosi Byaruhanga and Milton Karisa score the goals that sealed Vipers SC’s place in the semi-finals but left SC Villa technical staff and fans fuming for controversies in the goals.

Big Talent FC Loses Their 1st Game Against Struggling Aidenal SOSA FC.

Eddie Kenzo’s side Big Talent FC was yet to record a loss until toiling Aidenal SOSA FC forced a 3-6 win.

BAL: Zamalek are crowned champions, BAL honored African NBA Legends

Egypt’s Zamalek became the first-ever champions of the Basketball Africa League after overcoming US Monastir in a final game. BAL named 3 player awards after three African NBA legends.

Vincent Mashami has called up 34 players to prepare for the two friendly matches against The Central Africa Republic

Rwanda National Football Team head coach, Vincent Mashami has called up 34 players to be used in the two friendly matches between the Amavubi Stars and the Central African Republic scheduled early next month.

2021 AfroBasket: Rwanda drawn in the same Group A as giants Angola and neighbors DRC

The draw ceremony for the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 took place today Friday at the Mariott Hotel in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

Patriots clinched the last semi-final spot in a thrilled game attended by 2 heads of states and many celebrities

Rwanda’s Patriots defeated Ferroviarrio de Maputo in a nail-biting encounter to claim the 4th slot in the BAL semi-final. A game attended by President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame alongside his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.

“SC Villa can beat anyone” Coach Edward Kaziba Applauds His Side.

Coach Edward Kaziba’s men rallied from behind for a hard-fought stalemate with Vipers SC in the first Leg of Stanbic Uganda Cup at St Mary’s Kitende Stadium.

Futsal Super League Enters Round 2, Musician Eddie Kenzo Pays A Courtesy Visit

Former Futsal Super League champions Park FC registered their first win of the season after humbling Kisenyi FC.

Jimmy Ndayizeye and Le Messager are back to back Burundian champions

Jimmy Ndayizeye’s Le Messager Ngozi FC is crowned champion of the Burundi Primus League 2020-2021 after beating Flambeau du centre 2-0 at Urukundo stadium in Ngozi Province.

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