Mukura announces the contract extension of Nicholas Sebwato | Photo: Mukura
Mukura Victory Sports & Loisirs’ first-team goalkeeper, Nicholas Sebwato has signed a new contract with the Huye-based club. The new contract will see him stay at the club until 2025.
The Ugandan-born goalkeeper signed a contract extension with the club on Monday, July 3rd, putting an end to rumors of a move to another Rwanda Premier League side.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper’s contract ended this summer, and he had been linked with a move to Sunrise, among other teams, but he opted to stay at Huye International Stadium to remain the club’s number one.
Sebwato got roughly Rwf 10 million as a signing-on fee and one million Rwandan francs as a monthly wage under the new contract, making him the most expensive goalie in the club’s history.
Sebwato joined Mukura from Sofapaka in 2021, following an unsuccessful pre-season stint with Tanzanian club Namungo. Since then, the Huye-based side has been in good hands, and Sebwato proved to be one of the best all-around goalkeepers in the Rwanda Premier League.
With Number 45 on his back, Sebwato kept 13 clean sheets in his RPL debut season, winning the hearts of Yellow and Black supporters and being nominated for the Rwanda Premier League team of the year by many media outlets.
Besides 7 clean sheets in the league in the 2022/2023 season, the Former Onduparaka GK helped Mukura finish sixth despite a bad recruitment policy prior to the season. Mukura finished third in the 2023 Peace Cup alongside Sebwato under the direction of Lotfi Afahmia.
He has formerly played at Proline FC, Sports Club Villa, Solito Bright Stars, Onduparaka FC, and Sofapaka
The cerebrations of the Achievements from the games
Special Olympics Rwanda fraternity on Friday night hosted players and officials of the team from Germany for dinner and gala night after a successful outing at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
At the Ubumwe Grande Hotel, Special Olympics Rwanda exhibited the medals acquired from the World Games, which were attended by 190 nations. In an event highlighted by praise, socializing, and gift-giving, it was an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the message that “disability is not inability.”
In his remarks to welcome the guests, Pastor Deus Sangwa was full of compliments in a very joyous manner.
“On this unique evening, a pleasant evening, there aren’t enough words to convey our excitement and happiness on this particular day.”
Pastor Deus Sangwa, SOR Chairman
“We were on a mission to represent the country in the World Games in Berlin, Germany. We did well, chased, and won medals that most of you don’t see in other sports.” Said the chairman of SOR
He continued: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude personally to Patience Irafasha for her outstanding accomplishment in the recently ended World Games. Actually, we traveled to Germany in search of gold medals; Patience made us really proud by winning a gold medal in Bocce.”
“I must acknowledge the five ministries that we work with on a daily basis as part of a quest for Inclusion and participation of people with Intellectual Disabilities in Society before I come to an end. The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education. They make excellent partners” Pastor Deus Sangwa
Alphonsine Nyiraneza spoke on behalf of the parents and commended Special Olympics Rwanda for assisting them in raising their children
“Actually, we had no idea what these youngsters were capable of. We didn’t know what they were going to do when they left home to train for the World Games, but they did it to make us proud, and it is very obvious that they are now helping not only their families but also the nation.” Said Madam Nyiraneza
Alphonsine Nyiraneza spoke on behalf of the parents
Marianne Niyonsaba, an athlete, claims that being successful in sports makes them proud to be children like everyone else in society
“We are appreciative to Special Olympics Rwanda for facilitating our interactions with other children without intellectual Disabilities, allowing us to mingle, have fun, and gain an understanding that people with disabilities are capable despite being excluded for a long time. We get confidence from winning just as the other children do.”
A huge number of athletes and their parents gathered, and there was a gift-giving ceremony in which the athletes delivered gifts to their parents to thank them for not confining them to the backyard to hide their talents
Athletes delivering gifts to their parents.
SOR took the opportunity to thank all of its World Games representatives by giving them recognition certificates. They even had a special gift for the Ministry of Sports for the active role it has shown in making the journey possible
Emmanuel Ndayisaba receiving SOR’s gift to Ministry of Sports
In Rwanda, it should be mentioned that only teams of people with impairments contest at the world scale and bring silverware. It is in that vein, Mr. Emmanuel Ndayisaba, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, stated that the government should focus its efforts on the sports that yield results.
The Special Olympics Rwanda delegation received a very enthusiastic welcome upon their return home, following a stunning journey at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany.
On June 27, The Rwandan team was greeted and garlanded at the Kigali International Airport by officials from Special Olympics Rwanda and Athletes’ family members. The SOR athletes with the medals around their necks, could not keep the beaming smile off their faces as they enjoyed the homecoming festivities
The 2023 Special Olympics World Games started on June 17, and concluded on Sunday, June 25, in Germany. 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from approximately 190 countries competed in 24 sports.
Rwanda, with 26 delegates including 15 athletes, competed in three sports and did not disappoint.
In Bocce (single female), Patience Irafasha bagged the team’s only gold medal while In Athletics, Milliam Niyomukunzi came in third to take the bronze medal in 100 meters.
In men’s category, Fabrice Niyibeshaho finished fourth in the 100-meter sprint while Bruce Cyemayire got a fifth place in bocce.
In Women’s Football, Rwanda’s national team faced Belgium in the final match of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games. Following a full-time draw, Belgium prevailed on penalties, and Rwanda finished second and was awarded silver medals.
When addressing the media, Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda describes the competition journey as a success.
Pastor Deus Sangwa, SOR Chairman.
“We competed in three sports—football, bocce, and athletics—and did well as we had promised everyone. Through the prayers we’ve had so many blessings from God, behave nicely and we won medals in each and every discipline in which we have participated.” Said Pastor Sangwa
He added; “Our journey went smoothly overall; since we had a doctor, none of our athletes had any concerns during the games.”
Special Olympics Rwanda delegation from the 2023 Special Olympics Games.
In contrast to the 2019 Games held in UAE, which included numerous athletes with physical impairments, Rwanda exclusively featured competitors with intellectual disabilities this year.
The next World Games will be held in Italy in 2025. Later, Rwanda will host the Pan-African Games in 2026
Gisagara Volleyball Club and Police Women Volleyball Club lifted the trophies after emerging overall winners for men and women respectively during the 2023 Genocide Memorial Tournament.
Yakan’s Gisagara devastated the defending champions 3-0 in the men’s category 25-19, 25-21, and 25-19 to win the main trophy and rwf 1M cash prize.
The Gisagara district-based club under the tutelage of Sylvester Ndayisaba, Wycliff Dusenge, Ronald Muvara, Kathbert Malinga, Amadou Djibril, and Samuel Niyogisubizo overwhelmed REG Volleyball Club, lifting the trophy they last won in 2021.
Setter Ndayisaba, also team captain, starred for Gisagara with a brilliant command and performance while Samuel Niyogisubizo “Tyson” had been doing what he does best, spiking the ball aggressively hard with a powerful arm swing.
The women’s final was an all-Rwandan affair as well, as Police WVC bested RRA 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-14). Catherine Ayinembabazi from Ndejje University led the cops to defeat APR in the semi-finals and cruise through RRA in the final game at BK Arena.
Rwanda National Police Women Volleyball Club | Courtesy
APR Volleyball Clubs emerged third in both men’s and women’s categories.
Along with the medals, the winners got 1 million Rwandan francs in cash rewards, while the second and third runners-up pocked 700,000 and 500,000 Rwf respectively
The two-day competition began on Saturday and concluded on Sunday when over 21 teams showed up at BK Arena, Kimisagara Gymnasium, Kimironko Sports and community space, Notre Dame des Anges, Wellspring, and Apacope courts for the high-stakes games.
This year, the tournament attracted Volleyball teams from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan making it one of the most competitive and enjoyable tournaments in the region.
The yearly event is held in memory of volleyball players, coaches, administrators, and spectators who were killed during the Tutsi Genocide in 1994. It has been organized continuously since 1995.
The 1994 Tutsi Genocide claimed the lives of more than 50 members of the volleyball fraternity.
Rwanda beat Burundi and secured the ticket to represent the Zone 5 in 2023 AfroCan |Courtesy
Rwanda on Friday clinched a berth to the 2023 FIBA AfroCan when they beat Burundi 70-48 in the final of FIBA AfroCan Zone 5 qualifiers at Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Court, Dar es salaam in Tanzania.
The Rwandan National team has had another line of history penned down after qualifying for their first-ever AfroCan tournament.
Dr Sarr’s team went into the do-or-die game following a 3-1 mark in the first round of Group games, defeating Eritrea, South Sudan, and Tanzania but losing to Burundi.
In an easy contest, Rwanda dominated their neighbors in the first five minutes of the game, dropping 17-4 and taking the lead they never relinquished till the buzzer.
The Rwandan led 43-27 at halftime after the first quarter concluded 27-11.
When the teams took the floor for the second half, the crowd cheered on the Burundians as they attempted to cut the deficit, but this time, Rwanda played with a strong defense, giving the Burundians no chance to get back into the game. Third-quarter results were 55-39.
The Rwandans took up where they left off in the third quarter not just to finish the game on a high note (70-48), but also to avenge their 53-52 setback to Burundi on Wednesday and to claim the Zone 5 bragging rights.
In 20 minutes on the floor, William Robeyns scored a game-high 19 points while Dieudonné Ndizeye contributed 15 points. Joe Guibert Nijimbere was the only Burundian to reach double figures as he scored 13 points
Rwanda’s Nshobozwabyosenumukiza was named tournament MVP after outperforming every other participant.
Angola will host the 12-nation 2023 AfroCan in Luanda from July 8 to 16 this year. They become the second country to organize the competition since Mali hosted the inaugural edition in 2019.
Rwanda joins already qualified countries such as reigning champions DR Congo, Kenya, who came second in the previous edition, Angola, which finished third, and Morocco, which finished fourth, for the July event. Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, and Cameroon will also compete in the tournament after winning their respective zones.
Rwanda is pitted in Group C alongside Morocco and the winners of Zone 1 Qualifier
The Battle between Nshobozwabyosenumukiza and Nijimbere (Red) was really | Courtesy
Following a series of wins against Eritrea, South Sudan and Tanzania, Rwanda’s poor offense and silly turnovers in the last quarter cost them a game against Burundi.
Rwandan National Basketball Team led by seven points going into the fourth quarter at Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Court, but seven turnovers and one offensive rebound allowed a motivated Burundian side to come back and beat them by a narrow 53-52 score.
Burundi commanded the opening seven minutes of the game, leading by six points (9-15). Osborn’s three from the corner cut that deficit to three points before he connects with Nshobozwabyosemukiza on back-to-back three-pointers to conclude the quarter in Rwanda’s favor. 18-15.
Rwanda continued to play admirably, scoring eight points in a row to compel Aaron Kagabo to take a timeout and change his strategy. The Burundians gradually lost the quarter, behind by five points (31-36) at the break.
Poor shooting and frequent turnovers began to occur in the third period. Dr. Cheick Sarr’s squad went down and began to give the balls away while missing open shots, resulting in a lower score. The Rwandans put in 10 points while the opponent scored 8.
For the first three quarters, The Rwandans counterpunched practically every blow Burundians delivered. However, the mistakes and an inability to beat back one final charge by Burundi in the fourth quarter cost Rwanda in a 53-52 loss in game 4 of the FIBA AfroCan Zone 5 Qualifiers.
Guibert Nijimbere and his compatriots staged a comeback and took a point lead as a result of seven turnovers and Rwanda’s failure to make shots (2-of-8 FGs).
The Rwandans had a chance to tie the game by taking advantage of Landry Ndikumana’s foul in the last second of the game. However, the coaching staff should be held accountable for misinterpreting Landry’s unsportsmanlike foul as a technical foul.
While the foul was committed on Dick Sano Rutatika, who was substituted due to a concussion, Hagumintwali took the free throw that Sano’s substitute was meant to take. and the officials didn’t hesitate to cancel the basket and give possession to the Burundians. Full-time, Burundi prevails 53-52.
Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza led the Rwandans with 18 points, while Guibert Nijimbere had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for Burundi. The former City Oilers big man, Landry Ndikumana contributed 7 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists.
Burundi finished the group stage with an unblemished record of four games. They will have to square off with the Rwandans, the second-ranked team (3-1) to determine the Zone 5 representative in 2023 AfroCan.
RDV on Friday, June 23 at Benjamin Mkapa indoor court
Making his second appearance in the senior national team, former U-16 & U-18 National team captain, Dick Sano Rutatika continues to show tremendous promise. The 19-year-old had 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and had seven rebounds in the win against South Sudan
Rutatika hit 3-of-6 three-pointers and scored a team-high 11 points in 19 minutes to help Rwanda win its second consecutive FIBA AfroCan Zone 5 Qualifier.
With a huge performance by Rutatika, Rwanda picked up a much-needed win in the AfroCan qualifiers, defeating South Sudan 72-55 on Monday, June 19 at Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Court.
Rwanda started well, however, suffered a massive blow as the leading point guard William Robeyns had an injury that held him out for 37 minutes.
The Rwandans won the opening quarter 16-14 then Dr Sarr chose to deploy the bench team in the second quarter, and they outscored South Sudan 21-9.
In the third quarter, Rwanda maintained its lead and went into the final ten minutes with a 19-point lead, 36-55. The last ten minutes were insufficient for Ajou Deng’s side to close the gap, as they lost 55-72.
Dick Sano Rutatika, Ntore Habimana, Steven Hagumintwali, and Dieudonne Ndizeye Ndayisaba all finished with 11 points apiece. Aluk Lual Adub of South Sudan led all scorers with 17 points.
Rutatika made his senior debut on Sunday when Rwanda defeated Eritrea 114-34. In 19 minutes, he had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Rutatika,19, 2.06 m, a graduate of NBA Africa, is regarded as a prospective talent after leading the National teams at the under-age level. He averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship.
In the 2019 FIBA U16 African Championship, Rutatika had 13.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He currently plays and studies in the USA
Rwanda’s next match is against Tanzania on Tuesday night at Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Stadium.
Amavubi’s hopes for next Africa Cup of Nations shattered on Sunday, June 18 as Mozambique’s Os Mambas beat them 2-0 in front of their fans at Huye Stadium
The Mambas’ triumph absolutely destroyed Amavubi’s ambitions of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004. Goals from Geny Catamo in the first half and Clesio Baugue’s decisive strike in the last seconds of the game put an end to Rwanda’s modest prospects to compete in the last match with the hopes of qualifying for the Afcon in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.
On the other side, with a spirited 2-0 away victory against Rwanda, Mozambique keeps their hopes of making the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire alive, should they manage to get at least a draw against Benin in the final contest at Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto
Senegal leads group L with 13 points and has already secured a ticket. Mozambique is in second place with 7 points, Benin is third with 5 points, while Rwanda is at the bottom of the table with only 2 points.
This is how Carlos and Chiquinho set up their lineups today.
Rwanda XI: Fiacre Ntwari, Ali Omar Serumogo, Ange Jimmy Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi Thierry, Bosco Ruboneka, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Djihad Bizimana, Hakim Sahabo, Muhadjili Hakizimana, Innocent Nshuti, and Gilbert Mugisha
Mozambique XI: Ivane Carmine Francisco official Urrubal, Domingos Joao Macandza, Amade Momade, Elias Gaspar Pelembe, Edmilson Gabriel Dove, Stanley Ratifo,Martinho Alberto Thauzene, David Malembana, Witiness Chimoio Quembo, Geny Cipriano Catamo, and Shaquille Samuel Leopold Marie
APR's Benitha Mukandayisenga spike during the June 17 game against RRA in Notre dame des Anges | photo: FRVB
APR WVC put up yet another clinical performance to ease past RRA in straight sets and regain the top spot back in Rwanda Women’s Volleyball League.
Continuing to build on the momentum they established a week ago in Rutsindura Memorial Tournament, The army team proved far too strong against tax collectors at Notre dame des Anges as they coasted to a fifth straightforward success in the league
Prior to this clash, both APR and RRA were on a four-game winning run, tied on the number of points gained, with the same set ratio, however, The point ratio put RRA ahead.
Set one turned out to be the closest as APR won 25-23. The same to the first set, Florien Siborurema’s side wins the second set by a slim margin of 27-25.
In the third set, RRA fought valiantly and led for a while, but the defending champions quickly turned the tide to lead 17-14 and further expand the advantage to win 25-21.
Elie Mutabazi loses his first league game in command of RRA after taking over from Christopher Mudahinyuka five days ago. Mudahinyuka is currently the team’s first assistant coach.
Earlier, IPRC Kigali defeated IPRC Huye 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-17) to earn their first victory of the season.
Police WVC also routed Ruhango in three sets. 25-09, 25-17, and 25-23
Following today’s triumph, APR reclaims first place with 15 points in five games, followed by RRA with 12 and Police with 9 points.
For more details on Rwanda Women’s Volleyball League, follow this link
Mr. Ntoudi Mouyelo, the managing director of Mchezo ltd and Mr. Desire Mugwiza, The President of Rwanda Basketball Federation, signing the partnership deal on Friday, June 16, at BK Arena
FERWABA Seal a three-season sponsorship deal of Rwf 400 million with the sports betting firm BetPawa. The deal just covers the playoffs and 3*3 Basketball.
Kigali, June 16, 2023, The Rwanda Basketball Federation has formally signed a three-year postseason sponsorship agreement with BetPawa as the Rwanda Basketball Leagues’ headline sponsor.
A part of this money will be distributed to the clubs, another part to the players as locker room bonuses, the media and marketing department will receive another portion, and the remaining funds will be applied for league administration in addition to 3*3 basketball activities on a car-free day.
The teams will get 70% of the Rwf 400 million offered by the sponsor. Each D1 club that makes the playoffs, both in men and women, will get 3 million. A D2 Squad that advances in the postseason will pocket one million.
In his remark, Mr. Desire Mugwiza, FERWABA President applauded the new partner for choosing basketball
“On behalf of FERWABA and the Basketball family, I extend my gratitude to betPawa for choosing a good partner like FERWABA. A partnership between FERWABA and betPawa means a collaboration that holds immense potential for the world of sports and entertainment” The FERWABA Boss said in a statement confirming the deal
According to Ntoudi Mouyelo, the managing director of Mchezo, a company that owns betPawa, He claims that today’s deal is just a beginning
“The partnership with FERWABA is our first one in sports in Rwanda. We are looking at having more impact on the sports industry in Rwanda” said the managing director Ntoudi Mouyelo
BetPawa is a Pan-African sports betting company that operates in 11 countries across the continent. Today’s deal was their first ever in Basketball.
