The Hoops' Micomyiza (with the ball) playing against Ubumwe of Akon (Blue t-shirt Number 11)
Stakes Are High As the BKBNL Women Head To Semi-Finals. Can Akon and Cisse Lead Their Teams As They Have Led The Charts So Far?
The final day of the group stages of the Bank of Kigali Basketball Women’s National League closing tournament ended on Tuesday. RP-IPRC Huye won all three of their group stage matches. This was not the case for APR BBC who did not win a single match.
Claude Muhirwa’s side, RP-IPRC Huye, beat stronger opponents Ubumwe in a well-deserved win 84-64. Team Captain Sandra Nelly, scored 24 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in the 35 minutes she played. Despite the loss suffered, Rose Akon continued to prove that she is impressively unstoppable after racking up 30 points with 14 rebounds in this match. The Hoops Rwanda finished their group stages on the high after hammering APR BBC 90-40. Cisse and Laurence scored 25 and 23 respectively while APR’s Captain Charlotte scored 16. will APR BBC comeback in the semi-finals to defend their title?
Rose Akon Of Ubumwe Preparing To Take A Free Throw
At the conclusion of the group stages, the statistics show that Rose Akon is ahead on the charts in baskets, rebounds and blocks whereas Micomyiza Rosine “Cisse” played the most minutes and shares the same number of assists as Ubumwe’s Georgia Otieno.
Some Notable Player Statistics 1st -Blue 2nd-Green 3rd-Yellow
Even If COVID-19 impacts have proven distressing to sports this year, the Basketball league has registered its highest prize money ever. At the occasion of announcing the new sponsorship deal with Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Basketball Federation, (FERWABA) declared that the income generated from ticket sales will financially contribute support worth 5 million Rwanda Francs to both men and women teams representing Rwanda in the regional and continental competitions as adopted in the General Assembly.
This will be an addition to the prize money where Bank of Kigali awards the teams as follows:
winner 2M RWF
1st runner up 1,5M RWF
2nd runner up 1M RWF
3rd runner up 800 000 RWF
Last season’s trophy was won by APR BBC who also finished 4th in Zone 5 games behind Uganda’s JKL Dolphins (crowned champions) and Kenya’s Equity and KPA.
Express FC In A Team Overhaul As They Prepare For The New 2020/2021 Season.
Express FC has made drastic changes in both managerial and playing staff positions. Mr Chairman Kilyowa Kiwanuka appointed Coach Waswa Bbosa back at Wankulukuku stadium mid last season. And this has followed with a series of new positions being created and appointing new faces in the game.
Club CEO Isaac Mweisgwa arrived replacing Mr Hamzah Jjunju who is now concentrating on futsal matters.
Club Strength and conditioning coach Madam Hellenic Butema has arrived formerly with the Rugby Cranes.
Madam Ankunda Pamela as public relations consultant.
Mr Ainebyona Lewis as a performance analyst.
Strength and conditioning coach is Hellen Buteme.
Coach Waswa Bbosa has captured many players in the transfer market as Express Fc continue to prepare for 2020/2021 new season. He’s appointed new club Captains.
1st choice Club captain is Enock Walusimbi
The assistant captain is Experienced shot-stopper Mathias Muwanga.
3rd captain is young star Desmond Kaneene who’s been promoted from Express Fc junior team.
After unveiling former SC Simba and Wydad Casablanca experienced Uganda cranes defender Murishid Jjuko. Express FC gave players new squad numbers for 2020/2021 new season.
REG BBC’s Beleck Surpasses As They Excel Against IPRC Kigali In Their Tournament Opener.
Following that, all the other teams played on the first day of the return of competitive basketball in Rwanda, fans were eager to see how REG BBC and UGB would stand out.
United Generation Basketball (UGB) at the expense of RP-IPRC Musanze, recorded their first win of the tournament 77-54 on matchday 2. As for the Musanze based side, chances to proceed to the semi-finals have been diminished after they lost yet another match. UGB’s Glindas Balou was the highlight of the game after he helped his side add 18 points to their tally.
In the second men’s match of the day, IPRC Huye led by Charles Mushumba made a comeback to defeat Espoir BBC with 2 points basket difference. Espoir led in 3 quarters of the game but unfortunately, tables turned in favour of IPRC Huye in the last quarter when the gained momentum closing the 10 point gap Espoir was maintaining. Eric Muhayumukiza ended the match in style with a dunk to secure the first victory for his team 65-63. Espoir continues to suffer loses owing to minor squad problems characterized by last-minute fatigue.
In the final match of the day between REG BBC and IPRC Kigali, Rwanda Energy Group Team featured new faces like young Noah Bigirumwami from the USA and Somali point guard Aden Faisal Jama and the latter caused problems for IPRC Kigali. Faisal studied and played for a long while in the USA and he also featured in Kenyan side KPA in BAL last year.
REG’s Beleck Bell was unstoppable in this game, scoring the highest points, 35. With 5 three pointers and he missed only one free throw in 9 taken. Saidi Amiss was favourite for IPRC Kigali scoring 23 points, made 9 rebounds and 3 assists.
REG BBC’s Beleck Bell statistics against RP-IPRC Kigali
After the match, IPRC Kigali head coach, John Bahufite said they suffered from the REG duo, Beleck and Faisal. He added, “There was a problem today, we had 2 centers but in the third quarter, one of them reached 4 fouls and we benched him and that’s where the difference come from.
After the match, IPRC Kigali head coach, John Bahufite said his side suffered at the cost of REG duo, Beleck and Faisal. He added, “There was a problem today, we had 2 centers but in the third quarter, one of them reached 4 fouls and we benched him and that’s where the difference came from.”
He continued, “REG has 2 players, Faisal and Beleck who made the difference in this game and the fact that defensively we were poor because we used one center.”
APR BBC's Charlotte and Ubumwe's Rose Akon on the jump ball
Akon Elevated Ubumwe BBC To A Victory Against APR BBC In Matchday 1
There is no question Akon Rose Paul Macuei made the biggest difference at her side’s opener against opponents APR BBC. Ubumwe BBC can reap the fruits of a decision made to bring her on early in the tournament.
The name Akon Rose Paul Macuei was all over the stats charts.
Rose Akon blocking APR’s Iradukunda. She made 8 blocks in the game.
Points 37
Rebounds 26
Assists 4
Blocks 8
Ubumwe BBC was using the same players on the court with little support from the bench. It was shocking to see that there were no bench points at the end of regular time. This team used the individual new Forward Akon Rose Paul Macuei who really made a difference. Through her, the team scored 27 points from turnovers.
1st Q: Ubumwe BBC 17-13 APR BBC
2nd Q: Ubumwe BBC 17-16 APR BBC
3rd Q: Ubumwe BBC 15-17 APR BBC
4th Q: Ubumwe BBC 14-17 APR BBC
OT: Ubumwe BBC 11-07 APR BBC
FT: Ubumwe BBC 74-70 APR BBC
It was a tough encounter for the APR ladies as Ubumwe had the lead in 3 quarters. APR BBC managed a comeback to force the game to proceed to overtime.
It was clear that APR would suffer at the end of the game because there was little bench support and in addition to that, they risked by committing numerous fouls. Four minutes to the end of the 4th quarter, APR BBC was leading 55-52 when Captain Charlotte Umugwaneza had to be disqualified after she exhausted her limit on fouls. A minute later, another Center, Assouma Uwizeye also fouled out.
APR BBC Women’s Captain Charlotte Umugwaneza. She scored 24 points, made 21 rebounds and 3 assists before the ejection
Ubumwe Head coach reacted to this crucial win saying, “The game was hard for us because APR is our rival so we are happy that the victory is on our side. It gives us the momentum to win our next games.”
When asked about Rose Akon’s performance, and why they did not rest her during the game, Coach Esperance MUKANEZA praised her (Akon) performance. In addition, “Rose Akon played many minutes because we were lucky that the APR tall players were fouled out too early, we have to gain from her height and make them foul and we achieved it. We have won the game.”
In his reactions, APR Head Coach, Charles Mbazumutima said, “Yeah. We have lost the game. The problem we had was that we have injuries like Dumi (Sandra Kantore), a good player but she has been out of action for some time. There is another player, Umuhoza (Jordan) she has injury too and there are other absentees, who are not here for work reasons.”
“Secondly, my Centers, Charlotte and Assouma who fouled out (5 fouls) early. Therefore, that was the reason why we lost this match because if they stayed, they would face that South Sudanese (Rose Akon) who also had many fouls. In the last minutes, we used the same players because we had an inadequate squad. The players, who can score, had already been excluded from the match because of fouls.”
Asked if it is possible to defend the trophy, coach Mbazumutima said, “It is not easy because we have a small squad. Nevertheless, when you are in the tournament, you have to be determined to compete and we will compete to see if we can defend the trophy we won last year.”
“The other teams are strong, they boosted their squad by adding other players, which I think is another reason we are suffering. We do not recruit foreigners. However, RP-IPRC Huye is on top. The information we have is that they may have had enough time to train. For me, they are favourite to win this tournament,” he added.
Elsewhere, Nicole Rwibutso scored 20 points and made 16 rebounds to help RP-IPRC Huye seal a victory against The Hoops. On the other hand, Feza Ebengo scored the highest points (18) for Micomyiza Rosine “Cisse” and Zainah Lokwameri’s side, The Hoops Rwanda.
1st Q: RP-IPRC Huye 23-18 The Hoops
2nd Q: RP-IPRC Huye 18-11 The Hoops
3rd Q: RP-IPRC Huye 09-17 The Hoops
4th Q: RP-IPRC Huye 23-11 The Hoops
And FT: RP-IPRC Huye 73-57 The Hoops
Today, APR will play against RP-IPRC Huye and The Hoops against Ubumwe BBC. How will Akon Rose Paul Macuei perform today given her outstanding performance yesterday?
Patriots Start High While APR’s Kamilindi is Out: The Defending Champions Started On A High Note While APR’s Kamilindi Is Out Of The Tournament Due To An Injury.
Rwanda’s giants, The Patriots, who won the Bank of Kigali Basketball National League last season got off to a good start with a victory over Espoir BBC in the final game of the day.
Patriots were match favourites owing to the fact that had they had a mix of big-name players both internationally and locally. Eight players playing for Rwanda National team plus Burundian international Guibert Nijimbere and Kenya Moran’s Wamukota Bush.
Patriots head coach Dean Murray used all 12 players. The player with the most time on the court had 20 minutes and 12 minutes for the players with the least time, with 32 points from the bench. It was an easy game for Patriots as they led the first three quarters rotating the entire squad. Opponents Espoir BBC scored only 10 points from the bench and all these points came from one player, Charles Kabayiza.
Last season’s MVP, Ndizeye Ndayisaba Dieudonne scored the highest points of the game with 17 points in 18 minutes played. Espoir’s captain Philippe Kubanatubane scored 13 points for his Nyamirambo based club.
After the game patriots coach Dean Murray said he was pleased with his team’s defence and added that he tried to use all the players. He also mentioned that his ambition is to defend the title by winning all the games with respect of every opponent.
Espoir was led by team manager, Daniel Kirenga in the absence of coach Janvier Kamanzi. He talked to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency RBA in a post-match interview saying that they struggled to face Patriots Centers because of their heights. and he added that they are going to prepare for the next games against RP-IPRC Huye and are ready to continue into the semi-finals.
In the other match, APR BBC beat RP-IPRC Huye 78-65, with Kamilindi Olivier suffering an injury that would prevent him from playing in the remaining matches.
IPRC Huye’s Eric Muhayumukiza (white, T-shirt No6), one of the best rebounder in the league. He scored 21 points and made 17 rebound in this game
Kamilindi Olivier played just 4 minutes and immediately had a problem with his calf. In a short interview with Ground Sports, he told us that the injury is not too serious.
APR’s Number 15, Olivier Kamilindi in the pre-game warm up
He said, “The team doctors told me that I would spend 2 weeks off-court. On Tuesday I will go see a Doctor for a checkup.”
When asked if he left any gaps in the team, the small forward said, ” APR BBC have a good squad now with the addition of the likes of Isom Cedrick, Kevin Ndahiro, Kayonga Chester Gisa and Ntwali Marius… they can make it.”
APR BBC Squad that faced RP-IPRC Huye
Commenting on these new players, Kamilindi said “Cedrick has come in with his expertise and ability to organize. We had a problem with a small number of Point Guards, but Cedrick will help us and I trust him. Kevin and Marius are good players too and Chester every time he came in, he helped us. In brief, we have a good team and I feel we will fight and the title is possible for us.”
RP-IPRC Huye before facing APR BBC
The second day’s matches continue today on October 19, with RP-IPRC Musanze playing against UGB, Espoir BBC playing against RP-IPRC Huye then in the last game of the day, REG BBC play against RP-IPRC Kigali. In women’s category, APR BBC will play against RP-IPRC Huye and The hoops battle with Ubumwe BBC.
The Uganda Futsal Super League Action To Set In Motion Sooner Than Later.
The Futsal association Uganda (FAU) is the newest member of FUFA admitted in 2019 during the 95th AGM in Adjumani.
The first-ever Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU) annual general meeting was successfully held in September 12th 2020. A decision to declare the 2019/20 season void was made a while back before this general meeting, based on the FUFA competitions rules which stipulates that the league should be played up to at least 75 per cent to declare a winner should there be any factors that force a premature end. In this case, it was only 33 per cent before the impacts of the COVID-19 started in March early this year
And they confirmed to media that the new season 2020/2021 will start in October 2020 when FUFA finally allows member associations to start all their activities.
The chairman FAU Mr Hamzah Jjunju confirmed to ground-sports that 2020/2021 league fixtures will be out soon as they wait to start league action.
The FAU was well represented by chairman Mr Hamzah Jjunju at the 96th FUFA ordinary General assembly held on Saturday 17th October 2020 at Silver Springs Hotel in Nakawa Kampala Region.
Former Warriors Duo, Mike Buzangu and Saidi Amisi Carmelo Shine At BKBNL On Match Day1 Closing tournament.
This was the first competitive sports activity in the country after a ban on sports was lifted recently. The Bank of Kigali Basketball National League BKBNL resumed today Sunday, October 18, 2020, and will be concluded in a tournament format.
RP-IPRC Kigali and RP-IPRC Musanze both polytechnic institutions contended in the opening match of the tournament. The side from Musanze, which is dominated by young players led by Coach Rene SAHABU, are debutants in the BKBNL. The fact that they made 7th place in the regular season is quite a performance. Against the very best that Rwanda has to offer, it would be a dream to think that they would make it to the semi-finals.
On the opposite, Kigali side coached by John BAHUFITE, plays experienced players and is with no doubt favourites for top-four title contenders this season. It was never going to be a walk in the park for the Musanze based team, RP-IPRC Kigali not only won the match but also made double their opponent’s score. In the match, former Warriors duo Mike Buzangu and Saidi Amisi Carmelo were key to bringing the win home. Mike put 26 in the basket, 4 rebounds and 6 assists while comrade Saidi made 23 baskets, 8 rebounds and 2 assist.
Saidi Amissi
There was another ace performance from RP-IPRC Kigali Centre, Ndoli Jean Paul. He made very high defensive stats and thanks to his 2.07m height, he made 20 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Due to the guidelines meant to be followed, games were played totally behind closed doors but here is a post-match remark from both teams’ coaches.
Rene SAHABU
“It was a difficult game. We lost but we have learnt so many lessons. It is evident that our opponents were stronger and better. We shall use this as a building block for our next games.”
John BAHUFITE
“It was not an easy match because we have not played a competitive game in almost eight months but my players played well. This win gives us morale and we have also seen our level at the moment.”
BKBNL: How Much Can Espoir BBC Achieve Without Kasasa Bobo In The Tournament Starting Matchday One Against Giants Patriots?
Following a decision made by the Ministry of Sports to allow sports to resume in Rwanda, the Basketball Federation FERWABA was one of the first federations to take the lead to rejuvenate activities. The Basketball League resumes today Sunday, 18th October 2020 with Patriots taking on Espoir BBC.
In a meeting held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, FERWABA determined that the league would be played in a tournament format. New rankings based on the average points gained per game played were made putting Patriots in 3rd place, having played 12 games and won 10. Espoir ranked 8th after playing nine games and won four.
Espoir BBC have no players added to the team rather they will feature in the competition without their favorites, Forward Kasasa Bobo, one of the best players from the regular season and Centre Kinzamba Ambolo Junior. On the other side, opponents, Patriots are preparing for the BAL tournament scheduled for November this year. They have beefed up the squad with additions like Kenneth Gasana, Darius Garret and Adonis Filet Jovon. Not all these players featured in the regular season.
What does the absence of Kasongo Kasasa Bobo mean for Espoir BBC?
Espoir’s Kasasa Bobo challenged by Shoot for the Stars’ Nkurunziza in the regular season match. Bobo scored 44 points in this match
Kasasa Bobo has the highest point total for Espoir and the league in general in the regular season.
Here are some key statistics in the 9 games he played for Espoir BBC in BKBNL this season:
-Field Goals Made: 81, First in the league
-Free throws made: 48, First in the league
-Most points: 222, Joint top scorer with Patriots’ Steven Hagumintwari
-2 Points made: 69, First in the league
Then he is the most fouled player with 8.1 average fouls on.
How Much Can Espoir BBC Achieve without an individual with such impressive stats?
In an interview with Ground Sports, Kirenga Daniel “Danny” the team manager of Espoir BBC, he also confirmed that the absence of a player like Bobo in these games is a challenge. However, Danny says that Espoir is ready to fight and progress to the semi-finals.
Danny said, “It is true that the absence of Bobo creates a gap, but the game of basketball is a game of togetherness, with 5 players on the court and 12 on the squad, missing one player will not cause a big impact on the team. Bobo was very successful but we have talented young players. Yes, they are not on the same level but they are capable, I think they will fill the gap and I trust them. So far, there is no problem with the squad.”
The team manager also mentioned that they tried to use the players that were available for the training and despite the short time accorded to prepare, his side will compete and he is quite optimistic.
Danny also remarked that practice games don’t compare to real matches, the correction will be made game after game.
Explaining why Bobo and Ambolo were not able to come back from the holidays, Danny said, “The players were at Kinshasa when we learned that we will play this tournament. Calling them to came and join us in that short time and the fact that they had not played for seven months so, we decided to use the players that were around but they will be back in the next season since they still have our contracts.”
Espoir is in Group B with APR BBC, Patriots and IPRC Huye. All of these teams had beaten Espoir in the Regular Season. This Basketball club is the most decorated Basketball team even if they have not won this league since 2015. Last season’s trophy was won by the Patriots.
Ugandan Duo In Rwanda To Conclude The Bank Of Kigali Basketball National League.
Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many sports in the world have been brought to a standstill. This was the case for the Basketball National League of Rwanda until a decision was reached by the board.
Federation of Ugandan Basketball Association decided to cancel the league this year that had been scheduled to start a few days after a lockdown was imposed in the country. The league will commence on dates to be announced early 2021.
This has seen the Ugandan duo of Zainah Lokwameri and Rose Akon move to Rwanda to play in The Hoops and Ubumwe respectively. Lokwameri talked to The-Sportsnation saying, “The opportunity is a good one for me and I can’t take it for granted. Considering we had our hopes crashed after anticipating an exciting season, this opportunity is a chance to fight for a championship.”
Zainah Lokwameri has joined The Hoops from JKL Lady Dolphins whereas Rose Akon has joined Ubumwe from UCU Lady Canons.
Courtesy Photo | Rose Akon
The League will be played in the tournament format. In the women’s category, there are 4 teams in one group that will play round-robin format:
RP IPRC Huye (women)
The Hoops Rwanda
Ubumwe BBC
APR BBC (women)
In the men’s category, there are two groups with four teams each:
Group A
REG BBC
RP IPRC Musanze
UGB
RP IPRC Kigali
Group B
APR BBC
Espoir BBC
Patriots BBC
RP IPRC Huye
The top two teams will each earn a ticket to semifinals with the table leaders from either group meeting the second-placed side in the other group.
The women’s four teams will play a round-robin format for the preliminaries to decide 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place team. Thereafter, they will proceed to the semi-finals 1st Vs 4th and 2nd Vs 3rd. The winners from this round will then proceed to the finals.
Gor Mahia To Tout After FIFA Absolves Four Players To Feature In The Squad.
World Football Governing body FIFA absolves four players that have recently joined Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia FC. In accordance with a FIFA regulation player transfers between teams of different countries require an International Transfer Certificate. The regulations state that Players registered at one association may only be registered at a new association once the latter has received an International Transfer Certificate ITC from the former association.
Jules Ulimwengu (Burundian) from Rayon Sports, Rwanda.
Bertrand Konfor (Cameroonian) Al Mudhabi, Oman.
John Macharia (Kenyan) FC Guria Lanchkhuti’s, Georgia.
“This is good for me because it feels good to train with a team knowing well you are free to play in any competitive match. Now, I have to work… and work hard to achieve the best at my new club,” said Macharia.
Gor Mahia will represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League this campaign. The ITC allows the team to register the new players at CAF for continental duties. The registration window opens on October 21st.
Gor Mahia started their training in preparation the upcoming new league campaign and also for the interclub continental competitions earlier than all other league teams after the government lifted a ban on sports in the country.
