Rwanda Basketball boys’ team and Uganda’s Junior Gazelles, were crowned winners of the Zone five Africa U18 Championship held in Kampala, UGANDA.
Kampala, June 18, 2022, at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Rwanda U-18 climaxed the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification with an 84-43 heavy win over Tanzanians to complete an undefeated road trip of four games.
The 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 5 qualifications attracted only three countries in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Thus, teams had to face each other twice, in a traditional home and away format.
Gazelles Point guard, Sylvia Nantongo took home two accolades. She finished the tournament as the top scorer and she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as well.
Sylvia Nantongo, the top scorer and MVP of the tournament | Courtesy Photo
Rwanda together with Uganda in boys and girls respectively have booked their tickets at the upcoming FIBA U18 African Championship set to be held in Madagascar from August 4th to 14th, 2022.
2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification Final Standings
Rwanda have Qualified for FIBA U-18 African Championship slated in Madagascar next month | Courtesy Photo
Rwanda has qualified for the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship after an impressive display in Zone V preliminaries, securing the country’s fifth appearance at the Under 18 continental showcase since 2010.
Rwanda, led by coach Yves Murenzi, has qualified after securing first place in FIBA African U-18 Zone 5 Preliminaries following yet another convincing win on the 4th day of the tournament, again by beating the home team Uganda, 72-59.
Brian Wathum’s boys kept things closed in the first and second periods (15-15, 18-18) before Rwanda took control to lead the rest of the game. The latter, through Dick Sano, an NBA Africa Academy product dominated Uganda and outscored them 16-9, 23-17 in the last two quarters not only to finish the game-high but also book a ticket to this year’s FIBA U-18 African Championship.
Uganda hosted this edition of the 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 5 Preliminaries for men and women and only three teams in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania are taking part in these qualifiers
Each team has to face others twice. with one game left, Rwanda tops the rankings with a 3-0 WL record. They beat Tanzania in the opener, and Uganda twice. The junior silverbacks of Uganda follow with one win and two losses record while Tanzania is yet to record a victory in the games taking place at Lugogo indoor stadium.
In the women’s category, the Rwanda under-18 girls’ team did not perform well as they lost all 3 matches. In the match on Thursday, June 16, 2022, they lost to Tanzania 86-79 in a hard-fought game as they played a second overtime.
Rwanda’s Under 18 Violette Uwimpuhwe trying to pass the ball in the game lost to Tanzania 86-79
The 2022 FIBA Under 18 African Championship is scheduled to take place in Antananarivo, Madagascar between July 23 and August 1, 2022
The 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League Champions, APR FC | Photo Credit: IGIHE
APR FC has been crowned the Rwanda Premier League champions, after beating Police FC 2-0 on the final day of the season at Kigali Stadium, becoming the first side to reach the 20 league titles in Rwandan history.
Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club, APR FC confirmed their dominance of the local league by lifting their third straight title yesterday with an easy 2-0 win over the cops. The Army side won the league by a one-point gap.
APR FC had gone into match day 30 needing just a win to clinch a third consecutive championship, and there was little Police FC could do to stop their party as they have never beaten them for over 7 years.
A second-half brace from Gilbert Mugisha assured the APR fans that whatever happened to Kiyovu vs Marines match, won’t ruin their party at Kigali Stadium. The win took APR’s points tally to 66, one more than second-placed SC Kiyovu.
Emmanuel Okwi helped SC Kiyovu to beat Marines 2-0. however, it was not enough since APR didn’t lose | Courtesy Photo
Etoile de l’Est and Gicumbi FC have been relegated to Division 2. Shaban Hussein “Tshabalala” leads the top scorer charts with 15 goals
For more details about Rwanda Premier League, follow this link
APR FC will represent Rwanda in next year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup as well as CAF Champions League.
Haruna Niyonzima and his AS Kigali mates celebrating the first goal | Photo credit: IGIHE
Casa Mbungo’s AS Kigali defeat APR FC to spoil the parties at Kigali Stadium and keep Kiyovu’s hopes alive as the title race set to go down to the final day.
Kigali, June 14, 2022, APR FC needed a win against AS Kigali to clinch the 2021-2022 Rwanda Premier League title, with SC Kiyovu simultaneously dropping the points in Rusizi.
Rusizi-based club, Espoir FC hold Kiyovu to a goalless draw and put the trophy in the hands of the defending champions, APR FC. However, They will have to wait for their joyous celebrations on the final day as last night’s party was spoiled by AS Kigali.
Former APR FC Captain, now AS Kigali skipper, Haruna Niyonzima put the citizens ahead in the first half with a fantastic finish as APR produced a rare poor performance.
In the second half, AS Kigali led by the famous Andre Casa Mbungo continued to dominate the possession and could have scored the second goal but Hussein Shaban’s header hit the bar post.
APR tried to make offensive changes but AS Kigali seemed to look more composed in the defensive midfield. In the last 5 minutes of the match, Fabrice Mugeni made an interception in the second third then he carried the ball to the box and score the second goal for AS Kigali. FT: APR FC 0-2 AS Kigali
The last time AS Kigali beat APR FC in the league was in 2018. Casa Mbungo ended the Citizens’ 4 years winless era against APR. As a reminder, In 2017, the gaffer while in Kiyovu, helped them end their 12-year winless streak against APR FC.
AS Kigali head coach, Andre Casa Mbungo beat APR FC to push RPL race to final day | Photo: IGIHE
APR FC tops the table with 63 points and they have Police FC on the last day-decider. Kiyovu Sports is second with 62 and will host Marines on the league final day.
Victory on the final day at Kigali Stadium would guarantee APR FC their 20th league title regardless of Kiyovu’s results against Marines. A draw will be enough too, In case Kiyovu fails to collect all 3 points of the last game, and lose to Marines, APR will be crowned champions.
For Kiyovu, a win against Marines won’t be enough, so Haringingo’s side will be hoping for a draw or a loss for APR to clinch the long waited trophy.
Rwanda Premier League MD 29 Results:
Bugesera FC 2-0 Police FC
Marines FC 3-2 Rayon Sports
Gicumbi FC 1-3 Rutsiro FC
Etoile del’Est 0-0 Gorilla FC
Espoir FC 0-0 SC Kiyovu
Musanze FC 0-0 Mukura VS
Today, Etincelles FC host Gasogi United at Umuganda Stadium to conclude the round of 29
Pascal Niyonkuru lay up in REG vs S4S first leg match | Photo credit : Innocent SHEMA
Week three of the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League second leg brought plenty of excitement and upsets during the 9 games held at three courts including AIPER Nyandungu.
The Rwanda Basketball League Men’s and Women’s actions continued as REG BBC has moved into the top spot for the first time this season after picking up two more wins. They defeated Shoot For The Stars 99-75 before seeing off Rusizi 77-51. In the Women’s category, APR maintained their lead at the top of the table as they improved to an 8-1 WL record.
Friday night’s first game tipped off at Club Rafiki with REG BBC edging out Shoot For The Stars 99-75 (28-18, 31-12, 17-19, 23-26). S4S Small Forward, Jordan Yezakuzwe netted a game-high 32 points with REG’s captain Elie Kaje posting a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds and providing 8 assists.
The second game of the night saw IPRC Kigali get back on to the winning track with a 92-55 victory over the strugglers UR-CMHS. Bahufite’s side had been beaten in the previous match by the defending champions, REG 93-73.
Earlier at the same venue, Shoot For The Stars, S4S thrashed UR-CMHS 100-46 while Rusizi, at home notched a convincing 60-41 victory over UR Huye.
Sunday featured the game in Rusizi, with the defending champions REG wrapping the weekend with an away win to Rusizi BBC. They beat them 77-51 and move to the top of the league with 13 wins in 14 games.
In the last game of the weekend, UR-CMHS went up against Espoir BBC. Clearly, Espoir had something to prove, taking the game in dominating fashion, 108-43.
In the 2020 Rwanda Basketball League women’s category, under the guidance of Rene Sahabu, G S Marie Reine recorded an away victory over UR-CMHS to improve to a 5-4 WL in this season while APR WBBC overwhelmed UR Huye 123-22 to maintain the first spot.
Some individual performances that were highlighted in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League this weekend.
In 37 minutes spent on the court, Jordan Yezakuzwe poured in 32 points even though his efforts were not enough to help his team, the defending champions overcomed Shoot For The Stars in a Friday night clash played at newly refurbished Club Rafiki
Thierry Munyeshuri scored 25 points with 5-9 3PT against the Tigers. A day later, He contributed 37 points in a win against UR-CHMS. Munyeshuri is currently the third-placed top scorer in the league so far
Samuel Niyonshuti dished out 17 assists in the game Shoot For The Stars beat UR-CMHS. The S4S Point Guard is leading the league in assists.
Against UR Huye, Laurence Imanizabayo scored 25 points in 18 minutes with 10-13 FG. The 25 points scored moved her into the league 5 top scorers
Elie Kaje nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 PTS, 13 REBS, and 8 assists in the Friday night game against S4S
Frank Kamndoh produced an impressive performance of 33 PTS, 21 REBS (including 9 offensive rebounds), 4 assists, and 4 blocks in the game S4S beat UR-CMHS. Frank, is last season’s best defender, and the number one shot-blocker in the league, furthermore, he is leading the scorers too.
Breitlauch Adrian contributed 28 points in the Tigers’ win over Espoir BBC. A German Basketball Player’s impact on the Tigers is distinguished as he averages 29.5 PTS in two games
For more details about Rwanda Basketball League, follow the link here.
Special olympics Rwanda members lay wreaths to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi during their visit at Kigali Genocide Memorial on June 3, 2022
June 3, 2022, Special Olympics Rwanda, a non-profit organization for children & adults with intellectual disabilities, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi before reaching out a survivor in the Kigarama sector, Kicukiro to give financial support.
As part of the 28th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the Special Olympics Rwanda paid an honorary visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi.
The Special Olympics Rwanda, SOR’s visit aimed to pay homage to the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, laid wreaths at the memorial, and also donate support to Kigali Genocide Memorial. The ceremony was attended by senior executives and all Special Olympics Rwanda staff.
SOR Members at the Campaign Against Genocide Museum
During their visit to the memorial, Special Olympics Rwanda officials and staff were briefed on the history of Rwanda before, during and after the genocide.
Following the visit to the Kigali Memorial at Gisozi, SOR members visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, a museum located in the Parliamentary building at Kimihurura in Kigali City. They eventually moved on to reach out to one of the survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in the Kigarama cell, Kigarama sector, Kicukiro district.
With a warm welcome, Therese Munganyika, a survivor, also shared her testimony of the life she went through in the genocide. Munganyinka, mother of Kevin Nyandwi, a Special Olympics athlete, expressed her gratitude for being recognized.
Therese Munganyinka, a genocide survivor
She said” I’m really glad to see you reaching out to me…I’m very surprised. This support is of great value to us, may God bless you for the help and give you back more”
Special Olympics Rwanda provided support to the family, including food and sanitation equipment.
In her speech, Marie Louise Kabakesha, the Executive Secretary of the Kigarama cell, acclaimed the efforts of SOR towards Genocide survivors and especially appreciates the fact that SOR chose Kigarama.
To conclude the eventful day, Pastor Deus Sangwa, Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda explained that this kind and solidarity act should characterize Rwandans during the commemoration period
Pastor Deus SANGWA, Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda.
“We planned this day as SOR to join all Rwandans in these 100 days of mourning to commemorate the 28th anniversary of a 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
“It is in this context that we organized 3 activities namely visiting a memorial site to pay tribute to the victims, secondly, visit the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to learn the country’s road to liberation from the tragic nightmare of the 1994 Genocide that cost a million of Tutsi lives. We got to know the history of bravery RPF Inkotanyi, who stopped the Genocide and brought peace to the country, and this powerful story gave us the passion, patriotism and sacrifice of our lives if necessary.”
“The lessons taken at Kimihurura strengthen us to continue in the third activity to visit one of the survivors of the genocide.”
SOR is a non-governmental organization that has a wide range of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children with Intellectual disabilities
Rwanda Basketball Federation on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, unveiled the national basketball squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers Games. Olivier Shyaka, Elie Kaje, and Aristide Mugabe were dropped, with the squad featuring plenty of fresh faces.
Rwanda has announced a 21-man training camp roster for 2023 World Cup African Qualifiers Group B slated in Kigali from July 1st to July 3rd 2022.
Dr Cheikh Sarr’s Rwanda finished the first window of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with a 0-3 record against Cameroon, Tunisia and South Sudan in Senegal. A record to improve should they want to progress in the next round since the three best-placed teams from a group will advance to the second round.
The experienced Aristide Mugabe, Elie Kaje, Kami Kabange, and Olivier Shyaka are not in the pre-selection squad called. However, Some of the best performers in the ongoing Rwanda Basketball League have been rewarded with a place in the squad, including 21-year-old Shooting Guard, Justin Uwitonze, young point guards, Jean De Dieu Umuhoza and Olivier Turatsinze.
The Orion Centre, Patrick Ngabonziza has been included in Rwanda’s 21-man preliminary squad. The 23-year-old is among new faces in the squad named by coach Cheikh Sarr. Ngabonziza becomes the first player from Rwanda D2 to be named to the senior national team.
USA and Canada based young players, Imad Ruhamyandekwe, Emile Galois Kazeneza, Cadeau De Dieu Furaha, Osborn Shema, Noah Bigirumwami, Brillant Brave Rutsindura have also been selected. Adelin Mugasa Ndashimye, who plies his trade in Poland, has been given a chance too.
The 21-man Pre-selection Roster:
Ntore Habimana (Patriots), Olivier Turatsinze (IPRC Kigali), Jean De Dieu Umuhoza (UGB), Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG BBC), Imad Ruhamyandekwe (Canada), Robenys William (Belgium), Kenneth Gasana (Bahrain), Bruno Nyamwasa (Patriots), Justin Uwitonze (IPRC Kigali), Steven Hagumintwari (Patriots), Adelin Mugasa Ndashimye (Poland), Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba (Patriots), Emile Galois Kazeneza (USA), Axel Mpoyo (REG BBC), Cadeau de Dieu Furaha (USA), Patrick Ngabonziza (Orion ), Kendall Gray (Tunisia), Osborn Shema (USA), Noah Bigirumwami (USA), Tresor Marius Ntwali (USA), and Brillant Brave Rutsindura (USA)
The players are expected to report in the camp on 6th June 2022
Petro de Luanda's Shooting Guard, Carlos Morais | Photo Credit: BAL/Getty Images
Carlos Morais is arguably one of the best shooting guards on the continent and one of the most open athletes when it came to passing down information to younger players. During the 2022 BAL final games in Kigali, the Angolan international addressed the media and highlighted the secret behind his success that enabled him to stay at the forefront of top African Basketball players for years.
Carlos Edilson Alcântara Morais, the prolific and iconic African Basketball player, played for Petro de Luanda for much of his career, aside from a 3 years spell in Portugal and Italy. With Petro, he finished third in BAL’s inaugural season and runners up in the second edition, the title claimed in 2006 as Africa Clubs Championship.
In the Angolan National team, He won the Afrobasket tournament 4 times (2005, 2007, 2009, and 2013), and Carlos is one of the few BAL players with Olympic experience as he represented the Parancas Negras in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
Following his stellar performance in 2013 AfroBasket where he led his country to the title and was named MVP, He was invited to Toronto Raptors by the franchise general manager, Masai Ujiri to join the team in the preseason and fight for a spot in the Raptors 15 player roster. He played 3 games in pre-season but he was later waived by Dwane Casey.
He was on the verge of making history not only to become the first Angolan to play in the NBA but also the second African Basketball player to have ever entered the NBA from the African League.
With this fantastic journey, there is no doubt that the Angolan Sharp-shooting guard is in the right position to inspire the young generation on how they can achieve their dream goals.
Speaking to the Media, Carlos Morais, who has been in Basketball for over 15 years, unveiled the secret behind his consistency as well as how he stayed motivated for almost two decades
Carlos Morais said, “I just make sure that I care about my body in the right way. I’m still hungry. . . I believe I’m still young even though am 36 years old …you know, like every day I come to practice or to play a game as I try to stay as motivated as I was on the first day. That’s my mentality. That’s why I wake up every morning trying to get better.”
Carlos Morais in a post-match interview.
When asked the best piece of advice he would give the young basketball players, his answer was short and sweet: “Stay hungry and believe in your dreams”. however, he shared what he went through during his basketball career, especially in the beginning.
He said, “If I have to give advice to any young player, I would just tell him/her to stay hungry and believe in his/her dreams,” Said, Carlos Morais
He added “When I started, not everybody believed that I was going to reach this level in my career. You know… I had been told that I choose the wrong sport. I had been told that I should have gone to soccer, volleyball maybe…”
“You know I just keep going as I believe in my dreams that’s why I’m here and I think I’m one of the most known players in Africa. So, If I have to give advice to any young player, I’d just say; stay hungry and believe in your dreams. Everything is possible as long as you work for it,” Carlos Morais continued.
In his 19 years career, Carlos is 8 times Angolan League Champion, 4 times Afrobasket Champions, Portuguese league champion, and Africa Clubs Champion. He won Afrobasket MVP, African Club Championship MVP, Portuguese Cup MVP, and BAI Basket top scorer awards.
The 2022 Basketball Africa League Champions, US Monastir | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA
Tunisia’s US Monastir has been crowned the Champions of the second edition and 2022 BAL at the expense of Petro Luanda. The Tunisians redeemed themselves after losing the final of the first edition against Zamalek.
A magnificent team, a season to remember for US Monastir. After the national championship and the Tunisian Cup, they have achieved the historic treble by winning the second edition of the Basketball Africa League. They came from behind to win the BAL title, defeating Angola’s Petro de Luanda 83-72 in the championship game in Kigali at a full crowded BK Arena.
Trailing by 7 points at the break (18-17, 15-23), the Tunisian Champions came back strong to dominate the last two quarters (24-19, 26-13) and secure their first-ever Africa Clubs Championship. For more detailed statistics of the game, follow this link
Georgian international, born in the USA, Michael Andre Dixon’s performance in this tournament was unparalleled. At 31, he was averaging 16.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 21 minutes per game. He came impressively this Saturday, May 28, in the final against Petro Luanda too. Dixon scored 21 pts and delivered 6 assists in 35 minutes spent on the court. The US Monastir Guard was named the 2022 BAL Hakeem Olajuwon MVP Award.
The 2022 BAL Hakeem Olajuwon MVP | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA
In other individual awards, Dixon’s team-mate and Lebanon International, Ater James Majok received Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the year. AS Salé’s Terrel Stoglin is a top scorer and averaging 30.8 points per game, the Manute Bol Sportsmanship award goes to Anas Mahmoud from Zamalek while the BAL Coach of the Year is Jose Neto of Petro Luanda.
In the other recognitions, The All-BAL defensive Team is made of Childe Dunda (Petro Luanda), Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG), Aboubacar Gakou (Petro Luanda), Brice Dias (FAP), and Ater Majok (Monastir).
All-BAL First Team : Edgar Sosa (Zamalek), Terrel De Stoglin (AS Salé), Carlos Morais (Petro Luanda), Radhouane Slimane (US Monastir), Ater James Majok (US Monastir)
The Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate becomes the first player to win two BAL titles. He won it with Zamalek last year and now US Monastir.
Basketball Clinic co-hosted by SOR and NBA Africa at BK Arena on May 26, 2022
In a partnership with an association that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities “Special Olympics Rwanda”, NBA Africa provides a Youth Jr NBA Basketball Clinic for the young athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. the event took place at the BK Arena on Thursday 26 May 2022.
The event brought together about 40 youngsters and 10 coaches, from various institutions in Rwanda including; Lycée de Kigali, IPRC Kigali, Tubiteho Center, HVP Humura Ndera and Amizero in BK Arena.
Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairperson of Special Olympics Rwanda, commended the initiative and affirmed how special the partnership is. He further added that the Special Olympics will continue to do its utmost to assist disabled athletes playing various sports, including basketball.
“We are delighted to have the members of NBA Africa as our guests today, we welcome this new exciting initiative and hope it will continue. We shall carry on to promote sports for people with Intellectual disabilities, we usually participate in football, athletics, bocce and so on… So, with the help of Jr NBA, We want to see them play basketball.”
Pastor Deus Sangwa (middle), Chairman with Special Olympics Rwanda executives, Secretary-general, Christopher Karenzi, Jean Bosco Muhamyangabo, Project officer, and Betty Tumukunde a delegate from the parents of the SOR children.
Gasana Kenny, one of the beneficiaries from Tubiteho Center spoke out about his excitement to play Basketball. “I enjoyed playing basketball as well as playing with the Americans”
Kita Matungulu, Jr NBA representative expressed his gratitude to join the children in the Basketball clinic and stated that it’s one of their most important programs for young basketball players, especially for children with disabilities.
He said “We’re very excited to be training with these kids, you’ve seen them work with some of the former NBA players, like Dikembe Mutombo and others. It’s a great pleasure to play with children with disabilities because they also need to be taught Basketball. ”
Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations with NBA legendsNBA legend, Mutombo Dikembe with his famous gesture ‘Not in my house’Special Olympics Rwanda gives the opportunities to children with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness
Special Olympics Rwanda is a non-governmental organization that has a wide range of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children with Intellectual disabilities.
