Legendary Rwanda Basketball League side Espoir BBC suffered a 93-88 defeat to UGB, marking their 11th consecutive loss and 14th overall this season—confirming their last-place finish and relegation to the second division.
In the do-or-die clash on May 14 at Petit Stade, the Nyamirambo-based side came out strong, leading through the first three quarters. But UGB relied on their depth to mount a fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Espoir 23-15 to seal the win.
Amotoe James Koffi scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a full 40 minutes on the floorFortunate Mwanabene scored a team-high 24 points for Espoir, but his efforts were not enough to save the team
Founded in 1963, Espoir BBC has long been a cornerstone of Rwandan basketball, known for nurturing young talent and producing national stars. In recent years, however, the club has struggled—hampered by financial constraints and an increasingly competitive league, where rivals have invested heavily in top talent from abroad.
Espoir has managed only one win in 15 games so far. With just one game remaining and a 1-14 record, they are mathematically unable to climb above Azomco (3-14), who sit just above them.
In the 2025 season, nine teams competed in the league, with only one set to face relegation as the league expands to ten teams next season. Unfortunately for Espoir, they are that team.
This marks a painful chapter for a club with five league titles—second only to APR’s record 15 since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Espoir previously faced relegation four years ago, but the decision was overturned due to appeals related to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
In addition to their domestic success, Espoir BBC has also won the 2012 Zone V Club Championship and has represented Rwanda in the African Club Championship, before transitioning to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Sixteen African teams begin their quest for five coveted spots as FIBA reveals the qualifiers draw for the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
The draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers took place on May 13 at Alhazm in Doha, with FIBA Global Ambassador Carmelo Anthony conducting the event. Sir Mo Farah, one of the most decorated long-distance runners in history, high jump icon Mutaz Barshim, and 3×3 basketball legend Yassin Mousa joined him.
The qualifiers will unfold across six global windows between November 2025 and March 2027, featuring a total of 420 games worldwide. Africa will have five qualification windows to determine the five teams that will represent the continent at the 32-team FIBA World Cup 2027 in Doha.
The draw resulted in the following groups: • Group A: Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, Cape Verde • Group B: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, DR Congo • Group C: Rwanda, Nigeria, Tunisia, Guinea • Group D: Mali, Uganda, Egypt, Angola
Sixteen African nations will compete in the qualifiers, divided into four groups of four teams each.
The top three teams from each group will move on to the second round, where the 12 advancing teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top two teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third-placed teams will battle for the final African spot.
Globally, 80 national teams will compete across continents for a place among the final 32 teams heading to Qatar. The road to the World Cup officially begins in November 2025 and concludes in March 2027, with venues to be confirmed.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will be held in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. Germany claimed the previous title in 2023, defeating Serbia in the final.
Dennis Ireke, the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League MVP.
Kenyan international outside hitters Dennis Esokon Ireke and Sande Meldinah Nemali were crowned the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League MVPs in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, after leading APR VC and Police WVC to hard-fought league titles.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League wrapped up on May 11 at Petit Stade, with APR VC defending the men’s title and Police WVC clinching their first women’s championship.
In a best-of-three series for the championship, APR and Police met in decisive Game 3s in both categories.
A minute of silence was observed before the games to honor the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi
Police WVC setter Iris Ndagijimana played a key role in helping the team secure its first-ever Rwanda Volleyball League title.
Game 3, held Sunday afternoon at Amahoro Indoor Stadium (Petit Stade), saw Police defeat APR in four tightly contested sets (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22).
With Sande Meldinah struggling to find openings against APR’s well-formed block anchored by Amito Shallon, Catherine Ainembabazi took over offensively, exploiting gaps in coverage and keeping Police in control of the rally flow.
Sande Meldinah leaps to attack the ball in Game 3, where Police defeated APR to win their first-ever Rwanda Volleyball League title.
It was a fulfilling moment for Police head coach Christian Hatumimana, who had vowed to win the title after last season’s painful loss to APR under coach Peter Kamasa.
The men’s final was equally intense. Fred Musoni’s Police VC claimed the first two sets in narrow fashion (26-24, 26-24), sending their fans into a frenzy, already chanting for the trophy and MVP hopeful Eliphas Makuto.
Police enjoyed strong support from the crowd in the stands.
But APR, led by tactician Sammy Mulingye, mounted a remarkable comeback. Setter Paul Akan expertly ran the offense, feeding Dennis Ireke for powerful spikes that broke through Police’s defense as APR dominated the next two sets (25-17, 25-15). Akan also scored key points with crafty plays at the net.
Paul Akan, the league’s Best Setter, impressed with his playmaking.
Police pushed in the fifth, but APR’s grit sealed the win. The army side edged a dramatic final set 18-16 to seal back-to-back titles—marking their 11th championship overall.
Their victory capped off a stellar season that included a Zone V triumph and a fourth-place finish at the African Club Championship. APR’s triumph was especially notable as they overcame Police, who had finished the regular season as top seeds.
APR VC, the reigning back-to-back Rwanda Volleyball League champions.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League concluded with high-stakes finals, where top individual honors highlighted the season’s standout performers in both the men’s and women’s games.
Sande Meldinah Nemali, a Malikia striker, led Police WVC to a historic season, earning both Best Attacker and MVP honors in her Rwandan debut.
Sande Meldinah poses with her gold medal, league title, Best Attacker, and MVP awards—all in one shot.
APR VC claimed a trio of honors: Valentine Munezero was awarded Best Server, Benitha Mukandayisenga took Best Receiver, and Amito Shallon earned Best Blocker. Police’s Iris Ndagijimana was named Best Setter, while Jackline Uwimaliya received the Best Libero award.
In the men’s division, The wafalme star Dennis Esokon Ireke of APR VC was honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), following his standout performance throughout the season and in the finals. His teammate Samuel Niyonshima won Best Server, and Paul Akan claimed Best Setter, thanks to his pivotal role in APR’s comeback victory.
L-R: Eric Kiganza Kwizera, Samuel Niyonshima, Placide Madison Sibomana, Dennis Esokon Ireke, Eliphas Makuto, Saduru Manzi, and Paul Akan
Despite the final result, Police VC players dominated several categories: Eric Kwizera “Kiganza” earned Best Receiver, Eliphas Makuto was named Best Attacker, Placide “Madison” Sibomana won Best Blocker, and Saduru Manzi took home the Best Libero award.
More Pictures:
OfficialsRRA secured the bronze medal in the women’s category.REG VC clinched the bronze medal.APR Women Volleyball Club finished as the first runners-upPolice VC finished as the first runners-up in the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League in men’s category.Police Women Volleyball Club celebrates their maiden Rwanda Volleyball League title.APR VC, the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League champions.
APR and Police face off in the Rwanda Volleyball National League Playoff Finals
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.
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)
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.
Emmanuel Okwi celebrates his 8th league goal of the 2024-25 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.
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:
APR captain Valentine Munezero (in black and white) and Police’s Judith Hakizimana pose with officials before the gameHead coach Peter Kamasa continues to build APR’s growing legacyAPR players celebrate their first win in the Rwanda Volleyball National League 2025 Playoffs FinalsAPR Women Volleyball ClubPolice Women Volleyball Club
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.
Captain Shyaka dominated the boards for REG, grabbing 18 rebounds.
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.
Garba dribbles past Bigirumwami with ease.
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 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.
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 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.
Noel Obadiah faces old foes APR BBC in the GMT 2025 semifinals.
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.
Abdul Karim Nizigiyimana "Mackenzie" created a chance that secured Kiyovu their fourth consecutive win. | Photo: IGIHE
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.
