Rwanda Volleyball National League Titles to Be Decided This Weekend.

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May 7, 2025

The Rwanda Volleyball National League titles will be decided this weekend as defending champions APR teams face off against Police in Game 2, and possibly Game 3. Police currently lead the men’s series, while APR’s women’s team is edging closer to defending their Rwandan crown.

The rivalry between Rwanda’s top security institutions resumes on Saturday, May 10, as they battle for the 2025 National League titles.

The APR men’s team and Police have been locked in a fierce battle this season, a rivalry that has extended beyond national borders. The two recently clashed at the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, where APR defeated Police and went on to place fourth on the continental stage.

Despite their regional success, the six-time Rwandan champions APR trail 1-0 in this playoff series and will need to bounce back in Game 2 to keep their title hopes alive.

In the women’s finals, APR and Police once again face off in a repeat of last year’s championship clash.

The teams split their regular-season meetings, but APR holds the advantage this year. Police WVC topped the regular season and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.

However, they now face an uphill battle against an in-form APR, resh off a Zone V title and a strong run to the African Club Championship quarterfinals.

APR’s women’s team, also six-time Rwandan champions, cruised to a comfortable victory in Game 1, moving coach Peter Kamasa’s side within one win of retaining the league title. Police, still chasing their first league crown, will fight to avoid a sweep and keep their championship hopes alive in Saturday’s must-win Game 2.

Meanwhile, the bronze medal games are set for Friday, May 9. RRA will take on Kepler in the women’s category, while REG faces Kepler in the men’s.

Kepler’s women and REG currently lead their series 1-0.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League playoff series are best-of-three and played at Petit Stade.

Rwanda Volleyball National League Playoffs – Finals & Bronze Medal Schedule

Bronze Medal Matches – Friday, May 9
6:00 PM — RRA vs. Kepler (Women’s)
8:00 PM — REG vs. Kepler (Men’s)

Finals – Saturday, May 10
5:00 PM — APR WVC vs. Police WVC (Women’s Final)
7:00 PM — APR vs. Police (Men’s Final)

Deciding Games (if necessary) – Sunday, May 11

Okwi Inspires AS Kigali to Victory, Deepens Vision FC’s Relegation Fears.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 5, 2025

AS Kigali forward Emmanuel Okwi scored the opener to guide the Citizens to a 2-0 win over Vision FC on Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 26, strengthening their hold on third place and leaving Vision FC in deeper relegation trouble with four matches remaining.

Okwi, Akayezu score to seal AS Kigali’s 2-0 win over Vision FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on April 5.

With key starters Haruna Niyonzima, Franklin Onyeabor, and Shaban Hussein on the bench, AS Kigali delivered a subdued first half, creating few chances as the teams went into the break goalless.

A more aggressive second half followed, and 11 minutes after the restart, Ugandan veteran Okwi, wearing the captain’s armband, broke the deadlock with his eighth league goal of the season.

Following an injury to defender Prince Buregeya, coach Shaban Mbarushimana brought on Shaban Hussein and shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 formation, with Didier Ndayishimiye and Jean Bosco Akayezu partnering Placide Rwabuhihi at the back.

In the 73rd minute, Rubavu-born winger-turned-fullback Jean Bosco Akayezu overlapped on the left, cut inside, and scored a low shot at the near post to beat Vision goalkeeper Lutaaya Michael, doubling the lead.

AS Kigali maintained possession comfortably in the closing stages, while substitutes Elie Kategaya and Musa Esenu failed to spark a Vision FC comeback.

The win keeps AS Kigali third on 44 points, eight behind second-placed APR and seven ahead of fourth-placed Police, both of whom have a game in hand.

Vision FC remain bottom with 20 points. With defeats for both AS Kigali and Kiyovu, Vision FC edge closer to relegation.

AS Kigali next face Kiyovu, while Vision FC visit Marines in another relegation battle.

Rwanda Volleyball: APR WVC stuns Police in straight sets to take 1-0 lead in Finals.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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May 2, 2025

APR Women’s Volleyball Club defeated Police WVC in straight sets (25-23, 26-24, 25-20) to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three Rwanda Volleyball National League Playoffs Finals on May 2 at Petit Stade.

Police WVC, the regular-season top seed who eliminated Kepler in the semifinals—despite losing the first game of their best-of-three series—will need to bounce back in Game 2 to force a decisive Game 3.

APR, the defending champions, are now just one win away from securing their seventh league title, while Police continue their quest for a first-ever championship.

APR and Police each won once against the other in the regular season, building a fierce rivalry heading into the playoffs

The rivalry between APR and Police remains fierce. Last season, APR came from behind to win the series after dropping Game 1. This time, however, APR struck first with a commanding opening victory.

Earlier, Kepler defeated RRA in four sets to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series as well.

Game 2 is scheduled for next weekend at Petit Stade.

Photos:

Photo: derio_images

Boissy Drops 37 as REG Stun Orion in RBL.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 30, 2025

Jean Jacques Boissy exploded for a season-high 37 points to lead REG BBC past Orion 99–80, improving their record to 10–3 and making them the team with the second-fewest losses in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) this season.

Senegalese guard Jean Jacques Boissy dropped a season-high 37 points on April 29 at Petit Stade, leading REG past Orion to complete a season sweep.

The 25-year-old Senegalese point guard shot 14-of-28 from the field, including 3-of-8 from behind the arc. He added 6 rebounds and 5 assists in 34 minutes of action.

REG bounced back from a 17–26 first-quarter deficit by dominating the remaining periods (28–25, 24–18, 30–11).

Olivier Shyaka posted a double-double with 15 points and 18 rebounds, while Prince Muhizi contributed 19 points.

Boissy’s 37-point effort marked his 13th consecutive game scoring in double digits and his third 30+ point game this season.

Despite the loss, Orion’s Garba Chingka Kennedy delivered a monster double-double with 27 points and 23 rebounds, playing the full 40 minutes. Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs also added 17 points and 8 assists.

The win improved REG’s record to 10–3, giving them the second-fewest losses in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) behind only APR (15–1).

The win was REG’s second straight after back-to-back losses to APR and Tigers. With a playoff berth already secured, REG are now battling the 10–5 Patriots for the second seed.

APR BBC and REG WBBC Clinch GMT 2025 Titles.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 28, 2025

APR Basketball Club defended their Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) title with a hard-fought 94–92 victory over UGB, while REG Women’s BBC defeated JKL Lady Dolphins to win the 2025 women’s crown.

April 27 marked the climax of the GMT 2025, with Rwanda’s reigning league champions continuing their dominance.

APR, the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League champions and GMT defending champions, overcame UGB 94–92 in a thrilling and high-scoring final. The game’s intensity was evident throughout, culminating in a dramatic finish.

Despite standout performances from UGB — including a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists by Mohamed Doumbya, and a 26-point, 9-rebound effort from Amotoe James Kofi — APR narrowly edged them by two points.

In a back-and-forth battle, APR leaned on their depth, rotating their squad to match UGB’s relentless energy. Even after injuries sidelined key players Osborn Shema and Nobel Boungou, APR’s experience shone through.

Seasoned guard Chasson Randle, formerly of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic, nailed a clutch three-pointer that reclaimed the lead in the final moments — a blow from which UGB could not recover.

Randle’s leadership and poise earned him the GMT 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This tournament marked his debut in Rwanda, where he made an immediate impact on APR’s passionate fans.

In the women’s final, REG Women’s BBC defeated Uganda’s JKL Lady Dolphins 65–61, led by Ramla Umunezero’s 15 points, Odile Tetero’s 10 points, and Gloriose Byukusenge’s 10 points.

APR — Rwanda Energy Group Women Basketball Club, the GMT 2025 winners

Shadia Nassanga starred for the Dolphins with a game-high 19 points.

REG’s center Maiga Kadidia was named the tournament MVP, averaging 14.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

Elsewhere, Dar City from Tanzania finished third in the men’s category, while Kenya’s KPA claimed third place in the women’s competition.

The Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) is an annual event organized by the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Olympic Committee. It honors members of the basketball community who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

FERWABA commemorates more than 30 basketball fraternity members lost during the genocide against Tutsi.

Dar City Stuns Patriots to Reach GMT 2025 Semifinals.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 25, 2025

Dar City Basketball Club shocked the Patriots with a 78-64 victory, finishing the Group B stage with a 1-1 record and advancing to the Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) 2025 semifinals.

After an opening-day loss to UGB, Dar City bounced back on April 25, stunning the Kigali giants and sending them home early.

The Tanzanian side entered the tournament not only to compete but also to stand in solidarity with Rwanda’s basketball community, commemorating the players, coaches, administrators, and fans lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Beyond participation, Dar City impressed with their organization and high-level play, proving that Tanzanian basketball is quickly rising onto the regional stage.

Despite falling short in their first match, Mohamed Bakari Mbwana’s team showcased quality basketball that won over Kigali fans. The support and morale boost from Game 1 carried them into a confident performance against the Patriots in Game 2.

Dar City raced to a 25-12 lead after the first quarter and maintained a 40-31 advantage at halftime.

Fueled by long-range shooting from Deng Dhieu and Obadiah Noel, the Dar-es-Salaam-based club dominated the third quarter, stretching their lead to 62-47 entering the final period. They kept Patriots at bay throughout the fourth, closing out the game with a commanding 78-64 win.

Obadiah Noel led all scorers with 22 points on 8-22 shooting, including 3-5 from three-point range. The former Westchester Knicks (NBA G-League) player also added 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes of action.

Deng Dhieu contributed 21 points, while Patriots’ Cole Elliot Lamar was limited to 14 points as his team struggled to display their usual fighting spirit.

With this win, Dar City secured second place in Group B (1-1) behind UGB, while the Patriots finished last and suffered an early exit that stunned Kigali fans.

Dar City will now face APR in the semifinals on Saturday, April 26, at 9 PM at Petit Stade. The other semifinal will feature UGB taking on KPA at 6:30 PM.

In the women’s category, Uganda’s JKL Lady Dolphins will face Kenya’s KPA, followed by a clash between APR WBBC and REG WBBC, renewing their rivalry.

SC Kiyovu Edge Vision FC to Boost Survival Hopes

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 25, 2025

SC Kiyovu ended their slump with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vision FC, taking a major step toward securing their Rwanda Premier League (RPL) survival for the 2024–25 season.

On April 25, SC Kiyovu defeated Vision FC to claim their fourth consecutive win — and their sixth in the last seven matches — climbing to a surprising 8th place in the provisional RPL standings.

Following a 1-0 home win over Police FC, Kiyovu continued their impressive revival by collecting crucial away points, beating Etincelles at Umuganda Stadium, Mukura at Huye Stadium, and now Vision FC at KPS— all without conceding a goal.

Under the guidance of coach Malik Wade, Kiyovu once again leaned on the heroics of captain and goalkeeper Djihad Nzeyurwanda, who delivered another stellar performance, just as he did against Mukura last week.

After a goalless first half, Kiyovu improved their attacking play, and in the 59th minute, experienced Burundian right-back Abdul Karim Nizigiyimana delivered a powerful cross that was deflected into the net by Vision FC defender Stephen Bonny, giving Kiyovu a much-needed lead that they protected until the final whistle.

Securing three points against a direct relegation rival proved crucial for Kiyovu’s ambitions to remain in the top flight.

Related story: SC Kiyovu also won the first leg battle against Vision FC.

The Green Baggies now sit 8th in the table, six points clear of Bugesera, who are currently in 15th place.

Kiyovu Sports yateye intambwe nyuma yo kwitwara neza kuri uyu wa Gatanu, mu gihe Vision FC yagumye ku mwanya wa 16.

Urabona imikino 7 y’umunsi wa 25 isigaye gukinwa izakora izihe mpinduka ku rutonde rwa RPL?#RwandaPremierLeague #RPL pic.twitter.com/3WHTqXPYmj

— Rwanda Premier League (@RwandaLeague) April 25, 2025

SC Kiyovu will aim to continue their winning run when they face Muhazi United on May 3 at KPS.

GMT 2025: APR Rolls Past KPA with Convincing 99-61 Victory

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 25, 2025

GMT — Former Golden State Warriors guard Chasson Randle made an instant impact, helping APR defeat KPA on his debut.

GMT reigning champions and league pace-setters APR BBC outclassed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in their second grueling test of the day.

On April 24, APR showcased their depth, rotating players from tip-off to the final whistle, but still managed to defeat KPA by 38 points.

APR, with Adonis Filer, Ally Kazingufu, Aliou Diarra, Shaffi Habineza, and Chris Ruta all seated courtside, cheering on their teammates, handed debuts to Youssou Ndoye and Chasson Randle.

No APR player played more than 24 minutes, and all players contributed to the scoring, despite having another full team on standby and Jordan McRae opting out before the tournament.

APR head coach James Edward Maye gave all players court time, with only Ndoye logging under 10 minutes (9:47). APR dominated from start to finish, winning every quarter without trailing. Justin Uwitonze led the team with 15 points, all from beyond the arc.

GMT — Justin Uwitonze came off the bench to contribute 15 points.

Ndoye and Randle each added 12 points in their debuts.

KPA’s Morel Spenser (22 pts, 10 reb) and Muchina Bramwel (20 pts, 11 reb) had double-doubles, but their efforts weren’t enough as they fell to the defending champions. They now hope for an APR win over REG to reach the semifinals.

Travel delays forced KPA’s game against REG to be moved from Wednesday to Thursday, resulting in a tough double-header day.

In Group B, UGB edged Dar City 75-71 to book a semifinal spot. Patriots BBC and Dar City face off today, April 25, for the final slot.

In the women’s category, APR WBBC triumphed over Kepler WBBC 58-55, while JKL Dolphins beat East Africa University Rwanda 96-73.

GMT continues this Friday with exciting matchups in both the men’s and women’s categories:

Women’s Games:
• KPA vs APR WBBC – 1:30 PM
• JKL Dolphins vs REG WBBC – 4:00 PM

Men’s Games:
• Dar City vs Patriots BBC – 6:30 PM
• APR BBC vs REG BBC – 9:00 PM

Patriots Fall to UGB in GMT 2025 Opener

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 24, 2025

The short-handed Patriots pushed for a late comeback but narrowly lost 65–67 to UGB in the opening game of the Genocide Memorial Tournament, GMT 2025.

The tournament tipped off on Wednesday, April 23, at Petit Stade and welcomed international teams for the first time in six years.

The Group B clash between the Patriots and United Generations of Basketball (UGB) opened the men’s competition, with UGB starting strong to clinch the win.

As an international tournament with open slots for foreign players—unlike domestic competitions—GMT 2025 allowed UGB to field all five of their international signings, four of whom started the game.

Meanwhile, Sunny Munyandamutsa’s Patriots opted to rest star imports Cole Elliot Lamar and Frank Kamndoh Betoudji, entrusting local guard Jean Marie Rukerimbere to lead the team.

UGB, coached by Olivier Ndayiragije, capitalized on their advantage early, convincingly winning the first three quarters (18–14, 23–14, 15–12), and they had an 18-point lead during the third quarter.

However, Patriots’ forward Steven Hagumintwari sparked a dramatic comeback, hitting five three-pointers in the final period. His late-game heroics helped tie the score at 65 with just 34 seconds remaining.

With 16 seconds left, Patriots captain Kamilindi fouled UGB’s Mark Burton, and the American-Japanese guard calmly sank both free throws to restore UGB’s lead.

Despite having final possession, Patriots failed to convert and fell short in their tournament opener.

Steven Hagumintwari scored a game-high 20 points, while Jean Marie Rukerimbere contributed 18. Eric Kayondo led UGB with 19 points.

The Patriots return to action on Friday night against Dar City, while UGB face the same opponent today at Petit Stade in the three-team Group B round-robin.

Elsewhere, the scheduled game between REG BBC and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) was postponed due to KPA’s late arrival in Kigali. It has been rescheduled for today, April 24, at 12 p.m.

In the women’s category, KPA defeated Kepler WBBC 88–63, while REG WBBC cruised past East Africa University Rwanda with a 104–50 victory.

The Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) is an annual event organized by the Rwanda Basketball Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Olympic Committee. It honors members of the basketball community who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

APR are the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions. REG BBC remains the last team to win the international edition in 2019, alongside Hoops in the women’s bracket.

Photos: Innocent SHEMA

Patriots Stun APR to Save the League.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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April 21, 2025

Patriots defeated APR in their final RBL regular season game, ending APR’s unbeaten run and shaking up a league that once seemed destined to be theirs.

On April 20 at BK Arena, Patriots became the first—and only—team to defeat APR in the regular season, handing them their first loss after a 15-game winning streak.

Bouncing back from a loss to Kepler, Sunny Munyandamutsa’s team showed grit and purpose. Led by Cole Elliott Lamar, who posted 19 points and six assists, the Patriots out-rebounded APR 42-41 and outshot them with 41% field goal accuracy compared to APR’s 31%.

The victory gave the Patriots sweet revenge after they had fallen to APR by a single point (68-67) in their first-round meeting.

Though APR had already secured the top seed heading into the postseason, the Patriots’ win—improving their record to 9-5—adds intensity to the playoff picture, with seeding still on the line and momentum swinging.

The unbeaten narrative is over. The playoffs just got a whole lot more interesting in the RBL 2025.

Rwanda Volleyball National League Titles to Be Decided This Weekend.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League titles will be decided this weekend as defending champions APR teams face off against Police in Game 2, and possibly Game 3. Police currently lead the men’s series, while APR’s women’s team is edging closer to defending their Rwandan crown.

Okwi Inspires AS Kigali to Victory, Deepens Vision FC’s Relegation Fears.

AS Kigali forward Emmanuel Okwi scored the opener to guide the Citizens to a 2-0 win over Vision FC on Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 26, strengthening their hold on third place and leaving Vision FC in deeper relegation trouble with four matches remaining.

Rwanda Volleyball: APR WVC stuns Police in straight sets to take 1-0 lead in Finals.

APR Women’s Volleyball Club defeated Police WVC in straight sets (25-23, 26-24, 25-20) to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three Rwanda Volleyball National League Playoffs Finals on May 2 at Petit Stade.

Boissy Drops 37 as REG Stun Orion in RBL.

Jean Jacques Boissy exploded for a season-high 37 points to lead REG BBC past Orion 99–80, improving their record to 10–3 and making them the team with the second-fewest losses in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) this season.

APR BBC and REG WBBC Clinch GMT 2025 Titles.

APR Basketball Club defended their Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) title with a hard-fought 94–92 victory over UGB, while REG Women’s BBC defeated JKL Lady Dolphins to win the 2025 women’s crown.

Dar City Stuns Patriots to Reach GMT 2025 Semifinals.

Dar City Basketball Club shocked the Patriots with a 78-64 victory, finishing the Group B stage with a 1-1 record and advancing to the Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) 2025 semifinals.

SC Kiyovu Edge Vision FC to Boost Survival Hopes

SC Kiyovu ended their slump with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vision FC, taking a major step toward securing their Rwanda Premier League (RPL) survival for the 2024–25 season.

GMT 2025: APR Rolls Past KPA with Convincing 99-61 Victory

GMT reigning champions and league pace-setters APR BBC outclassed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in their second grueling test of the day.

Patriots Fall to UGB in GMT 2025 Opener

The short-handed Patriots pushed for a late comeback but narrowly lost 65–67 to UGB in the opening game of the Genocide Memorial Tournament, GMT 2025.

Patriots Stun APR to Save the League.

Patriots defeated APR in their final RBL regular season game, ending APR’s unbeaten run and shaking up a league that once seemed destined to be theirs.

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