Ground Sports got in touch with Rose Akon for an exclusive interview and she shared with us what transpired from her short basketball journey to the nation of 1000 hills.
The Bank of Kigali Basketball National league was played to conclusion in a tournament format and Ground Sports had a word with an outstanding player who helped her emerge 3rd at the end of the competition.
Here is what Rose Akon had to say about her short term experience in Rwanda.
You have played across East Africa, how do you compare the level of basketball in the region?
“Well, I can say the level of basketball I’ve played in Tanzania is not much different from the level of basketball I have played in Rwanda cause they are the same players I always face, during Zone 5 especially with JKL I am pretty much sure that I have played against the same people I have played here in Rwanda. So, there is no much of a difference. Though the ones in Zone 5 in Tanzania, was much of a higher level cause that was Zone 5 and they had brought in more players from outside, other teams had recruited players from out and there was some kind of high competition compared here. Caused the players recruited are more skilled and more aggressive compared to the ones that are in Rwanda now. But what I can say is yeah, there is a little bit of a difference just a slight difference but there is no much of a difference because they are the same players. The ones I played against in Tanzania are the ones I’ve played against in Rwanda so it’s just the same.”
Who was your toughest opponent at the BKBNL tournament where your side emerged
“Team: RP-IPRC Huye and player: Charlotte Umugwaneza.”
What kind of experience did you get from playing alongside Georgia Otieno from Kenya?
“Playing alongside Georgia has been fun. I have really had the best tournament ever. Seriously she has been there for me throughout the tournament like both off the court and on the court, she has been one of the people I can rely on. If I needed advise on something or messing up on the court, she would be there for me, she would keep me going, she would keep my head in the game and everything. So, she is amazing, she is a true friend, she is a true teammate. She is good. I am sure she is one of the best point guards in Kenya and the ones I would really want to play with any time. She has been really good. It has been a wonderful tournament and I have had fun with her in my team.”
Does Kigali Arena liken to any other stadium you have played in?
“You can not compare Kigali Arena to any other. This one is top class 100%. It is beautiful.”
Any advice for the young ladies who would love to pursue a basketball career?
“Discipline, hard work, humility, determination and always stay ready, you do not even need a coach to upgrade your game, everything is on the internet. Above all pray to God.”
And finally any chance you will be staying to play in Rwanda
“I will be going back to Uganda to complete my degree.”
Rose Akon displayed quite impressive performance at this competition. In the group stages, she came out at the top of the stats chart. In the 3rd contention game against APR BBC (W), Ubumwe won 67-52 and Rose had 29 baskets to her name.
