The Patriots and Tigers Basketball Club started the 2025 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) season strong, each claiming wins against Azomco and Espoir BBC, respectively.
The 2025 season of the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) officially began on Friday, January 24, at Lycée de Kigali. Last season’s finalists, the Patriots and Tigers, both started the season with impressive wins.
The Patriots, who lost to APR in last season’s playoff finals (4-2), welcomed a familiar face to the bench in a new role. Munyandamutsa’s influence was evident as the team dominated newcomers Azomco, securing an 89-64 victory.
The Patriots’ win was driven by Frank Betoudji Kamndoh’s dominant double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds in 31 minutes.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year added 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in his RBL 2025 debut. Steven Hagumintwari added 17 points to the team’s effort.
In the second game of the day, Nyamirambo-based Espoir faced off against Tigers BBC, a team that had a very active offseason.
Tigers, bolstered by key signings such as Pascal Niyonkuru and Herve Icyishatse from REG, Marius Ntwari, Dan Manzi, and Bruno Shema from the reigning champions APR, and 26-year-old Gabonese-Canadian Anthony Tsegakele, made an early statement by defeating Espoir 80-73.
Bruno Shema led the charge with 18 points, while Espoir’s Fortunate Mwanabene matched that effort with 18 points of his own.
The adverse weather in Kinyinya forced the rescheduling of the REG BBC vs. Orion game to Sunday, January 26.
More basketball action awaits this Saturday, including the debut of the women’s league.
