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Nelly Sandra and APR WBBC beat REG Women BBC in an eye-catching game. The unbeaten streak is no more!

APR's Nelly Sandra trying to dribble past Odile Tetero | Archive: FERWABA
The REG Women BBC’s winning streak won’t extend past ten games after they were handed a convincing defeat by the APR WBBC, 90-85, on Saturday evening at Club Rafiki. Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa put up a stellar offensive display, driving into the paint at will.

Saturday, August 6, 2022, Club Rafiki hosted one of the mouth-watering clashes of the Rwanda Women’s Basketball League between two Kigali giants. The former champions APR WBBC and the defending champions, REG Women BBC in an eye-catching offensive game of the season so far.

The defending champions started off the first quarter with a 10-0 run as APR didn’t have a point in like the first four minutes of the game. They ended the first period with a 24-13 lead, confidence that carried them through the second quarter, and hope to take an easy win to keep their remarkable unbeaten run.

Rwanda Energy Group team, led by coach Esperance Mukaneza won the second quarter and went into the break with a double-digit lead, 45-32.

After falling down in the first half, the 2018-2019 league champions turned things around with a huge third quarter, cutting the deficit to end the quarter score in a tie. 60 points a piece.

In this period, REG who had a chance to kill the game in the second quarter were dominated and it was obvious their fouls would cost them at the end.

Charles Mbazumutima’s APR come in last quarter with a very solid offensive approach. The opponent’s best players on the court were all one foul away from fouling out. Ines Nezerwa “Giti” (C) and Mireille Muganza (C) plus Odile Tetero (PG) each had 4 fouls with 5 minutes to spare. They drove into the paint too easily for the rest of the game since the electricians had no structural defense to stop them. Thus APR overcame REG to end their 10-game winning streak. Full-time REG Women BBC 85-90 APR BBC.

Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa led the way with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. Laurence Imanizabayo added 24 points while Betty Kalanga come off the bench to contribute 20 points, 8 rebounds, and expertly played perimeter defense to boot.

Sandrine Mushikiwabo scored a team high19-point for REG. Three starters (Ines, Odile, and Mireille) fouled out in the game while Ange Nelly Irakoze stepped onto the court after a one-year half knee injury.

APR WBBC finished the regular season on a positive note, 11-1. In case REG beat The Hoops next week, they will equally have the same win/lost ratio with APR. With head-to-head as a tie-breaker, REG will take first place since they beat them 55-43 in the first leg.

For more details about Rwanda Women’s Basketball League, follow this link

Rwanda falls to Mali in FIBA U-18 African Championship opener

Mali's Abdramane Kanoute (Green) trying to pass Rwanda's Sano Rutatika
The Rwanda junior Basketball team fell to Mali, 49-67, in its opening game of the FIBA U-18 African Championship on Thursday, August 4, at Palais des Sports Mahamasina

ANTANANARIVO, August 4, 2022, Rwanda’s Under 18 Basketball team dropped its opening game in Group B at the 2022 African youth championship of National U18 teams.

The Malians started brilliantly and dominated the first two quarters to enjoy a comfortable 38-25 lead at halftime. They kept the momentum and held Rwandese to eight points in the third quarter to enter the last 10 minutes of the period with a 54-33 merit score.

The Rwandans came out hard in the final quarter determined to cut the deficit, however, the gap was huge. Mali ended the game with a 67-49 massive victory in Group B games.

Mali’s Amadou Doumbia led all scorers with 24 points, and he was the only Mali player to score in double-digit while Hubert Sage Kwizera had 13 points and 7 rebounds on the side of Rwanda. Dick Sano Rutatika added 13 points too.

Amadou Doumbia dropped a game-high 24 points to lift Mali past Rwanda, 67-49

Rwanda will be back on the court on Saturday, August 6th against Guinea. Mali faces Angola this Friday before clashing with Egypt on Saturday.

Mali, the defending champion, has been dominating Africa for quite a while since they established a consistent basketball youth program. They won the tournament’s last two editions and they are among the favorites in this year’s edition.

The finalists of the 2022 Edition will represent Africa in FIBA U19 World Championship slated in Debrecen, Hungary from June 24 to July 2, 2023

Photos: FIBA

RBL: RP-IPRC Musanze stun UR Huye to keep D1 survival hopes alive

RP-IPRC
RP-IPRC Musanze | Courtesy
RP-IPRC Musanze beat UR Huye 65-57 to maintain the high spirits and win a Rwanda Basketball League D1 relegation battle

RP-IPRC head coach Rene Sahabu and his IPRC Musanze boys have been under pressure in recent weeks as they have continued to linger in the relegation places.

Saturday, July 23, RP-IPRC Musanze, traveled to UR Huye with a mission to carry on their fight to stay alive in the Rwanda Basketball League division 1.

IPRC Musanze ended the 1st Quarter with a double-digit lead (10-20), but UR Huye ramped up the pressure to Musanze lads by holding them to 12 points in second quarter, heading in to the break with a tight score. 31-32

The Rene Sahabu coached side dominated the opponent in the last two periods to seal the win for good. 11-16, 15-17 and finish with an eight points difference. 57-65.

RP-IPRC Musanze small forward, Gislain Munyakazi has been fantastic in this season, and he put up yet another brilliant show, 21 points in the UR Gymnasium to give his side hope even if his team is desperate to keep him next season.

Speaking ground-sports.com after the game, the head coach highlighted the contribution of this young lad both defensively and offensively not only in this match but for the entire season.

“Gislain is a good player. He has improved a lot this season and I think you’ve seen how his versatility both offensively and defensively had a major impact on our game today. He’s a hardworking man, who understands and executes my game plans very well. If he continues in this path, he will surely be a great player” Said Coach Rene

Munyakazi has scored 304 points this season so far. He’s currently sixth on top scorer list behind Kamndoh Frank, Espoir Aganze, Thierry Munyeshuri, Pascal Niyonkuru and Jordan Yezakuzwe

Behind Munyakazi’s performance, Josue Tuyishime added 19 points, and Patrick Murwanashyaka had 7 points and 13 rebounds for Musanze.

On the side of UR Huye, Gabin posted a double-double (11PTS, 13 RBS ) and dished out 5 assists

In a post match interview with Rene Sahabu, He also upheld how special this game was for the relegation battle and the team’s approach to beat UR Huye at their own court.

He said,

 ” We have been preparing for this game for quite some good time. Everyone in this team knew the importance of this game, we don’t want to be relegated…we have to fight for our pride and today’s victory was a much-needed win.“

“We came in this game very determined, my boys fought, they showed character and at the end of the day, we came out victorious”

With the victory, the Musanze based club improves to 5-18 over the season and in their last two games of regular season, they will face Patriots and UR-CMHS.

RP-IPRC Musanze is a team that showcased young talents in Basketball and they always face challenges due to building a new team every season. The departure of Phenias Bagabo, Patrick Ngabonziza, Raphael Nzitonda, Patrick Rwema and many more, affected the team’s performance to the level of fighting for relegation. Things that they have to live with it since the coach is not assured of the continued services of key players like Munyakazi.

Kigali Titans promoted to Rwanda Basketball League

Kigali Titans
Kigali Titans are promoted to Rwanda Basketball League following a successful 2022 D2 league Journey | courtesy
Kigali Titans join Orion Basketball Club in getting promoted from Division 2 League

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, The Titans earned a promotion to the Rwanda Basketball League next season after completing the sweep of Flame BBC in the Division two playoff Semifinals.

Cyrille Karima coached the side’s wrap-up game two of the best-of-three series 85-42 following an 81-40 game one win on Sunday, July 10 at Club Rafiki.

Kigali Titans will lock horns with Orion in the finals. Both teams have not yet tested a loss this season as The Titans push their league record to a perfect 11-0 while Orion is currently at 13-0.

The Proficient Albert Buhake led Orion to D2 promotion with an undefeated record. | courtesy

The finals in a best-of-three format, tips off Friday, July 22 at BK Arena. As a reminder, in February, The Titans beat Orion to win the FERWABA D2 Preseason tournament. Will history repeat itself or is it a good time for revenge?

Rwanda Basketball Federation launched a division 2 league this season and a total of 17 teams took part in this inauguration season competing for the 2 promotion slots.

With Kigali Titans and Orion convincingly securing the promotion to RBL, four teams are expected to be relegated from the top flight league. 30 Plus BBC, UR Huye, and UR-CMHS have already been mathematically relegated with almost six games still to play, while Rusizi and IPRC Musanze are fighting to avoid relegation

APR BBC defeat Espoir BBC with a thrilling come-back win

APR Basketball Club | Archive photo/ FERWABA
APR Basketball Club erase a 16-point deficit to come back and beat Espoir BBC 84-75 at Club Rafiki. A much-needed victory before they take on IPRC Musanze and Patriots.

After falling behind 33-20 in the first quarter, Cliff Owuor’s APR made some adjustments and fought back in the second quarter to cut the Espoir’s rhythm, going into the break trailing by eleven. 54-43.

Army side, APR started off the third quarter with their best offensive players in Philippe, William, Armel, Steven, and Balaban on the court. The latter, 2.13 m, a Serbian centre used his size and height to attack the rim as Espoir’s Musinga’s spirit was beginning to dwindle.

With 4 minutes left in the third quarter, Robeyns William and Philippe Kubanatubane hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit and took the lead. 58-60 in front of Club Rafiki crowd supporting their home team.

Rafiki crowd didn’t disappoint as they kept pushing Espoir. Eric Shyaka hit a difficult mid-range shot with 22 seconds left in the third to put the score level. 66 points apiece.

Enock Isezerano’s foul with 1 second left sent Thierry Munyeshuri to the line. He made only the first and ended the third quarter with 1 point lead. 67-66 in favor of Espoir BBC.

Kenyan tactician’s team come from the short break very strong, playing strong defence in the last quarter, leading to offensive points and taking the lead to win against a scrappy and tired Espoir team. FT: 84-75 as APR BBC win/loss ratio improves to 14-3.

APR’s Robeyns William scored the team-high 21 points, Balaban Darko dropped 19 points in this Wednesday’s win over Espoir, added 17 rebounds and shot 8-of-9 from the field. His first ever double-double performance in Rwanda Basketball League.

Armel Sangwe and Philippe Kubanatubane contributed 13 and 15 points respectively.

On the side of Espoir, Thierry Munyeshuri scored a game-high 26 points in the loss whilst Fabrice Muhoza aka Musinga had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Speaking to Ground Sports after the game, APR BBC head Coach, Cliff Owuor appreciated the effort the team put in last night after falling far behind in the first quarter to come back and clinch the win against a highly-determined Espoir.

“We noticed these boys were running a lot and other than running, this was their home court. They shot the ball well…Almost all their attempts counted, everything they were putting up counted.  So, we had to adjust to make sure that we force them to put the ball on the floor as in not to shot the ball in three, then in case they shot the ball, box out well,” Cliff Owuor said

He continued, ”we didn’t have to rush the ball because that was keeping them in tempo. We had to organize our game and just come in score 2 points if we got 2 points, 3 points if we have 3 points. And eventually, we overcame a deficit, took the lead and managed it well. We are grateful.”

Despite the win, the former champions had notable absentees with centres, Marius Ntwali and Arnaud Nkusi both injured, and Victoire Mutabaruka preparing for an exam.

In the next assignment, they take on RP-IPRC Musanze before facing the giant’s Patriots. However, the Kenyan gaffer expects to bring back his centres to prepare for the Patriots game accordingly as the latter added big man Kendall Gray to the roster.

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link

REG BBC proves too much for APR, RBL Weekend Wrap.

REG BBC proves too much for APR, RBL Weekend Wrap.
REG's Axel MPOYO (Red,14) come off the bench to register an amazing performance against his former club | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA
REG BBC smacked APR BBC with a huge statement win to the title while the battle for the 4th seed in the playoffs has gotten from Good to Impressive.

As the Rwanda Basketball League approaches the critical juncture, the battle for playoff positioning continues with the top three teams looking to secure high seeds while the race for fourth place is very tight too.

In a Friday Night much-anticipated game, the defending champions, REG BBC crushed title contenders APR BBC by 16 points in a statement victory that claims them as the constant league powerhouse.

The Army side with some new additions to upgrade the roster, headed into the half trailing with a double-digit score (13-20, 21-25), before Cliff Owuor’s side cut the deficit to 2 points in the third quarter. 53-55.

William Robeyns and Balaban Darko (77), some of APR’s New additions | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA

The numerous turnovers and poor defending in the last quarter cost the former champions the game as they were down 16 points, 62-78 at the end of the game.

APR’s Armel Sangwe scored a game-high 25 points while Axel Mpoyo came off the bench to lead the electricians to this vital win. He scored 19 points while shooting an efficient 77% FG

Currently, at the top, REG BBC Stands at 17-1, Patriots 14-1, and APR 13-3. If the teams finish the regular season tied, head-to-head will be the tie-breaker.

Earlier at the same venue, BK Arena, IPRC Kigali handled the United Generations Basketball in a 67-57 blowout victory to keep the 4th place finish hopes alive. An important win for John Bahufite’s team, making the battle for the best playoff seeds super close in the league. IPRC Kigali improved to 11-7, while their direct opponents, UGB is on 12-6, IPRC Huye 11-6, and Tigers 12-5.

Weekend Results

  • 08/07, UGB 57-67 RP-IPRC Kigali
               Patriots 122-42 UR-CMHS
              APR BBC 62-78 REG BBC
  • 09/07, RP-IPRC Huye 37-68 Patriots
              UR-CMHS 23-74 APR BBC
  • 10/07, RP-IPRC Musanze 48-72 UGB
              Rusizi BBC 61-65 Espoir BBC

The Hoops picked up two easy wins against URs in the women’s category. On Saturday, they defeated UR-CMHS 55-12 before heading to the south on Sunday to thrash UR Huye 125-31. An easy opponent for Rosine Micomyiza as she shoots from behind the arc as she wishes.

Micomyiza, also known as Cisse poured 30 points, all coming from beyond the arc in 15 attempts

Results

  • 09/07, RP-IPRC Huye 72-86 APR WBBC
               UR-CMHS 12-55 The Hoops
  • 10/07, UR Huye 31-125 The Hoops

REG Women BBC lead the league on the W/L ratio as they stand at 10-0, APR WBBC has 11-1, IPRC Huye 7-3, and The Hoops 7-4.

The Rwanda Basketball League, RBL action continues with matches taking place on Wednesday at Club Rafiki

Rwanda legend Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement

Aristide Mugabe
Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement | Courtesy Photo
The Patriots’ point guard, Aristide Mugabe may still be playing at a club level but his international career has officially come to the end.

KIGALI, June 30, Prior to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers window 3 games, The Patriots star revealed that he is retiring from Rwanda Basketball National team. Putting an end to 11 years of an incredible journey.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Mugabe thanks the Lord, federation, players and staff for the support given to realize his dreams.

Mugabe was the flag bearer for Rwanda at several occasions including three AfroBasket editions. In 2011 in Madagascar, 2013 in Côte d’Ivoire and 2017 in Tunisia, making him one of the most respected athletes in the country.

In the statement released, the veteran point guard is proud of what he helped the Rwanda National Team accomplish on the court. He said, “I am grateful and proud that I gave it all.”

Mugabe, 34, left a legacy not only on the court but off-court too. During the 2022 BAL Final games, BAL honoured Aristide Mugabe for promoting the sport on the continent.

Rwanda legend Aristide Mugabe announces his international retirement
On the occasion of Africa Day, BAL honoured African NBA legends Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Ian Mahinmi plus Rwanda’s Aristide Mugabe | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

In 2021, With other famous Basketball personalities, Masai Ujiri, Luol Deng, Mark Tatum, and Mugabe were among the baby Gorilla namers. A great honour in a country of thousand hills.

Background

Aristide Mugabe started his Basketball journey in 2001 at EAV Ntendezi (high school) in Nyamasheke, a district in the Western Province of Rwanda. And his talent showed up soon to catch the eye of St Joseph Kabgayi scouts. In St Joseph, his potential manifested and started to shine at the high school level both in the country and in the East African region at large.

In 2007, Mugabe debuted his Basketball career in Rusizi BBC in Rwanda’s top-tier league. After two seasons, he joined Espoir BBC and two years later started to earn the National team call-ups.

In 2015, He signed for the Patriots and until now he is still loyal to this Kigali-based club where he serves as team captain. From 2013, he captained the National team until 2018.

February 26, 2022, in Dakar Arena, against Cameroon, Mugabe played his final international game for Rwanda.

Furthermore, history will remember him as the first captain to ever win a Basketball Africa League game. May 16, 2021, when Patriots beat Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers.

Why is Mugabe admirable by everyone?

Apart from his ability to lead the game, Aristide Mugabe is kind, friendly, and a team player. He can carry the team with his long-range shoots and his skills to dish the ball very effectively.

A great leadership quality. He captained Espoir to win the league four times in a row between 2012 and 2015, before leading the Patriots to yet another 4 league titles.

Mugabe and Espoir BBC, claimed the 2012 FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship in Kampala, Uganda, where he was named MVP.

There is no doubt that his character and success won the hearts of basketball lovers in Rwanda.

He is a legend!

FERWABA announces a new League sponsorship deal

FERWABA announces a new League sponsorship deal
FERWABA and Bralirwa signed a three-year partnership | Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA
The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA announced a three-year partnership with Cheetah Energy drink. As per the terms of the agreement, Bralirwa, through Cheetah will be investing around 80 M Rfw per year into the league, taking the total value of the deal to 240 million Rwandan francs, and in return, advertise their products on Basketball courts.

A press conference was called at BK Arena on the afternoon of June 26, 2022, at which FERWABA President, Desire Mugwiza and the Bralirwa Managing Director, Etienne Saada were attending to unveil the new partnership between Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and the largest brewer and soft beverage company in Rwanda, Bralirwa.

FERWABA President confirms that Cheetah Energy drink will be the sponsor of the Rwanda Basketball League for three seasons, but with no naming rights.

In a very exciting way, The President of Rwanda’s governing body of Basketball, Mr Desire Mugwiza seized the opportunity given by Bralirwa to grow the Basketball game in the country.

FERWAFA President, Desire Mugwiza addressing the media | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

“This agreement comes at the right time. Cheetah is an energy drink … so, it’s an added energy in our league and in Basketball development in general. We don’t want this partnership to last three years, we want to hold it up longer. They won’t take naming rights though we look forward to having further discussions on this matter. However, they will advertise their products at all basketball courts,” Said Mugwiza

On the side of Bralirwa, Etienne Saada, the managing director, expressed his gratitude to support a game that doesn’t discriminate, a game that everyone is passionate about especially the youth.

Etienne Saada, Bralirwa Managing Director | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

He said “When my team proposed this sponsorship, for us, it was obvious because when you see what Basketball represents, it’s really very close to our values. Basically, it is a sport for everybody, especially the young, and we are here to talk about Cheetah, an energy drink for both men and women. We are really happy about this partnership.”

The money will help in the development of basketball, match official wages, and the prize money.

Bralirwa, through its brand Cheetah Energy Drink, is now the official RBL sponsor | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

While the league sponsor may have been sorted, the FERWABA boss is keen to hold talks with various interested companies as the Federation is still on the lookout for league naming & broadcasting rights holders.

The Rwanda Basketball League is currently in the second leg and the defending champions, REG BBC lead the way with 16-1. While APR WBBC tops the table in the women’s category with a 10-1 WL record.

D2: ITS Kigali beat Intare BBC in the regular season finale

D2: ITS Kigali beat Intare BBC in the regular season finale
ITS Kigali’s captain, Kevin Ishema dropped 33 points double-double in the FERWABA Division 2 regular season finale as ITS Kigali blew out Intare by a final score of 72-63. Unfortunately, they won’t make the playoffs.

Sunday, June 26, at Club Rafiki, in the biggest matchup of the weekend to complete the Rwanda Basketball League Division 2 regular season games, ITS Kigali takes down Intare BBC. A win that didn’t guarantee them a slot in the playoffs.

It was the last game of the season for the International Technical School of Kigali since they come in the match aware that whatever happens in the match, they cannot progress to the playoffs.

Holding the lead on the scoreboard throughout the entire game (17-12, 23-10, 18-15, and 14-26), ITS Kigali ended the season with some plenty to appreciate in the win over the APR Juniors, Intare.

Kevin Ishimwe, in 39 minutes played, scored 33 points on 13-29 shooting (4-10 from three), provided 3 assists, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 1 shoot. Pacifique Habyarimana “Boyka” had an incredible performance too, as he had a double-double (14PTS and 20 REBS).

Intare finished 3rd behind Inspired Generation and Elite in Group C. They join Kigali Titans and The Hoops Juniors of Group A, Orion, Wibena and Flame of Group B to complete 8 playoff teams.

Rwanda Basketball League D2 Playoff matchups will be announced in due course and the finalists will be promoted to the top-flight league.

 

Espoir BBC stun UR Huye, Musinga dunks 7 times

Espoir BBC stun UR Huye, Musinga dunks 7 times
Espoir Basketball Club | 2022
Fabrice Muhoza “Musinga”, Charles Kayabiza, and Thierry Munyeshuri powered Espoir BBC to a 118-53 win, dropping a combined 62 Points. 5 Espoir players score in double-digits to lift them to the 10th win of the season. Their highest score so far for this season.

On June 25, Espoir BBC travelled to Huye district to face the UR Huye. Charles Kabayiza recorded a game-high 22 points as the Nyamirambo-based club led the entire way in a humiliating 118-53 win over the University of Rwanda, Huye campus.

In a very entertaining performance, Fabrice Muhoza known as Musinga dropped 20 points while shooting 83% from the field including 7 dunks. UR completely failed to defend him as he finished the game with 10-12 Field Goal. Thierry Munyeshuri added 20 points, Donatien Kimenyi 19 points, and Eric Shyaka 10 points.

Espoir BBC is now 10-7 on the season!

On the side of UR Huye’s Serge Karekezi goes 20 Points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Jean Paul Jabo contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Elsewhere, the table toppers, REG BBC beat IPRC Musanze 97-34 at their home court at Nyakinama.

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link