Radhouane Slimane helped US Monastir reach 2022 BAL Final | Photo Credit: Innocent SHEMA
US Monastir set up BAL final with Petro de Luanda after surging to win the defending champions. They come back to the final with a revenge victory over Zamalek who defeated them in the final last year.
Kigali, May 25, 2022, the 2022 second semi final game saw a rematch of last year’s final between the African giants, Tunisia’s US Monastir and the defending champions and 13 times Egypt champions, Zamalek.
Union Sportive Monastirienne, commonly known as US Monastir trailed by as many as six in the first quarter tonight and came back to win the game 88-81. The first quarter ended with 16-22 in favour of the Egyptians before the Tunisians took control of the game and never looked back.
US Monastir outscored Zamalek in the last 3 quarters 19-18, 29-18, and 24-23 to complete the revenge mission and end Zamalek’s 12 unbeaten records in this BAL league.
Radhouane Slimane, Michael Andre Dixon, Julius Coles Jr, and Ater Majok scored in double double digits numbers for US Monastir whilst Zamalek’s Mikhael Mckinney dropped a game high 26 points. However, his effort were not enough to overcome their opponents and to qualify his side for a back to back final.
During this game, BAL celebrated Africa Day by honoring African NBA legends Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Ian Mahinmi plus Rwanda’s Aristide Mugabe | Photo : Innocent SHEMA
Earlier, at the same venue, newly rebranded BK Arena, Childe Dundão was back doing what he does best, scoring from 3, around the rim, and mid-range. Dundão posted three three-pointers and a game high 18 points to help Petro de Luanda advance to the 2022 BAL final.
Petro’s PG Childe Dundao | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
Clube Atlético Petroleos de Luanda, Petro de Luanda beat FAP 88-74 and moved on to the final, their first appearance in the Basketball Africa League final. They finished third in last year’s inaugural season.
Zamalek will rub shoulders with Cameroon’s FAP in third place game slated for Friday while Petro de Luanda will take on US Monastir in the final on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at BK Arena.
Uganda representatives at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships, Ndejje Elites, yesterday recovered from an opening game loss by defeating ASEC Mimosa in 3 straight sets.
The champions of Women’s volleyball in Uganda, Ndejje Elites are back to winning ways after a thumping Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosa in a match that ended with the latter securing no set.
Ndejje Elites crowned champions of the National Volleyball League.
However, this was not enough to put down the Elites with 25-14 and 25-10 in the respective last 2 sets. This win was a huge statement for Ndejje after a big blow from CF Carthage.
“I Thank God for making us Victorious today. It is a big win for us on the African Continent against ASEC Mimosa. We have composed ourselves, we are serving well, and also increased on the attack,” stated the head coach Kitosi Ronnie.
Ndejje Elites have a rest day before they face KCB from Kenya tomorrow. The result from this match will determine the side’s future in the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championship.
2021 Women’s National club champions, Ndejje Elites, start their journey at the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s Africa Club Championships with a loss to tournament defending champions, CF Carthage.
The Ndejje Elites were flagged off on Wednesday, 18th May 2022 ahead of the tournament that was scheduled to start Friday, 20th May 2022. The University team is currently holders of the Uganda National Volleyball League title after defeating VVC.
Ndejje Elites Flagged Off for the 2022 CAVB Senior Women’s African Club Championship.
Ndejje being one of the most capable representatives for Uganda at this tournament was not good enough for the University side against CF Carthage. Proceeding ended 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-15)
“It has been our first game of the tournament against the defending champions. It is a plus to the ladies that they have played well. We lost 3-0, but it was worth it because we managed to reach 22 with the defending champion,” Head coach Ndejje Elites, Kitosi Ronnie.
“We have to concentrate more on the second game. we are playing against ASE, so we have to serve more and defend more. The game was not bad, it was an eye-opener that we can do better than this,” added the head coach.
Ndejje is pitted in Group B together with Tunisia’s CF Carthage, Kenya’s KCB and Ivory Coast’s Mimosa. KCB also secured a win in this group after defeating Mimosa, 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-10).
The Ndejje Elites will now face Mimosa tomorrow Monday, 23rd May 2022.
President Kagame officiated the unveiling of Basketball court at Club Rafiki | Photo Credit: Moise NIYONZIMA
The President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame officiated the unveiling of the refurbished basketball court at Club Rafiki in the Nyamirambo sector as part of Giants of Africa’s initiative to build 100 Basketball courts in Africa.
Saturday, 21st May 2022, a business sports forum ‘moving sports forward forum’ co-hosted by Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa with Basketball Africa League, and invite other sports stakeholders such as sports administrators, athletes, businesses and government leaders at Kigali Marriott Hotel, gathered to discuss the role of sports infrastructure in the development of African youth. Thereafter, the giants of Africa launched Club Rafiki’s Basketball Court as their 13th Basketball facility across the continent since 2021 when Masai Ujiri began a 100-court investment in the infrastructure of Basketball throughout Africa.
Kicking off the event at Club Rafiki, which was a mixture of NBA Africa & GOA Youth Basketball clinic and contemporary dances, Madam Stephanie Alamba, Club Rafiki administrator embraced the partnership between good governance and Basketball initiatives that changes the lives of the youth community around Club Rafiki.
The ceremony moderated by Africa Scouting Manager at Toronto Raptors, also included the speeches from NBA Africa CEO, Victor Williams, BAL President, Amadou Gallo, and Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.
Event Moderater, Sarah with panelist members; (L-R) Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Stephanie Alamba, Amadou Gallo, Victor Williams and Masai Ujiri | Photo: Moise NIYONZIMA
In his words, the project initiator, Masai Ujiri, President of Toronto Raptors and Co-Founder of Giants of Africa who is steadfast demonstrated that the base for shaping the future of the African sports industry is by investing in infrastructure, acknowledged the Nyamirambo community for having Club Rafiki, the fantastic place for Sports history.
“Our investments have the power to transform generations to come, and sports infrastructure is the foundation,” said Ujiri during the unveiling ceremony.
He added; “It fosters togetherness and can empower our youth everywhere just like the young men and women we see here at Club Rafiki. My hope is that we can come together, across all sectors, united as one continent in a shared vision for the future of sports.”
He continued “A big big thank you to the whole community here because this place has an incredible history in sports”
In his remark to close the event, The special guest, H.E President Paul Kagame expressed his emotional state and emphasized the stature of developing the sports infrastructure in Africa. “My feeling is that of pride and happiness that we have done something and it has materialized,” he said. “It is going to have an impact on our young people and the development of talent on our continent.”
Giants of Africa is a non-profit organization with the goal of changing the lives of countless boys and girls on the African continent through the power of Sport. It was founded in 2003 by Masai Ujiri. Since then, It has used sport to help empower youth to dream big, hosting basketball camps and clinics for boys and girls in 16 countries across the continent.
In 2021, Giants of Africa launched the 100-court initiative and unveiled basketball facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast and now in 2022, Club Rafiki court is unveiled.
Club Rafiki is considered the root of basketball in Rwanda mainly because of the talents who have risen and maximized their potential on the court through Rafiki based club, Espoir Basketball Club.
The newly refurbished Basketball Court at Club Rafiki
Gisagara district-sponsored club finished off its remarkable run in the 2022 CAVB Men’s African Volleyball Club Championships with a bronze medal victory in the game against Cameroon’s Port Douala on Monday, May 16 at Kelibia, Tunisia
Rwandan representative had a good run through the group stage by beating Port Duala (Cameroon), Customs (Nigeria), and Equity Bank (Kenya) to complete the group D games with an unbeaten record. In the quarter-finals, GVC breezed past the host Olympique de Kélibia to qualify for a historical semi-final.
In the semis, the Rwanda Champions had to climb a mountain in front of the defending champions, Esperance de Tunis. They lost 3-1 and later went on to lose to Al Ahly in the final.
For the bronze medal, after dropping the first set to Port Of Doula, Gisagara Volleyball Club, GVC responded by winning the next 3 sets to capture their first continental medal, 3-1 (18-25,25-23,25-18,25-18).
A great achievement for the coach Fidel Nyirimana to guide a Rwandan team to a podium in the African club championship for the first time. In 2011, Nyirimana helped a University of Rwanda finish fourth and is now another step forward to his native district-based club.
The Futsal Super League, FSL will kick this Sunday and participating teams have been motivated with funds worth 15 million Uganda shillings up for grabs.
One of the youngest and fast-growing sports in the country is back. This season will see 8 teams battle for the title. Last season ended with Park FC clinching the title and they are back to defend it.
FSL Defending Champions Park FC
The Futsal Association of Uganda made the announcement on their website today. Games are set to commence on Sunday, 15th May with KJT taking Luzira Thunders. Among other teams participating are Kisenyi FC, Aidenal SOSA, Asca Oldies, Kabowa Dream Team, and Talent Bridge FC.
According to the website, the 15 million will be shared among all participating teams with the champion receiving 5 million.
Futsal is a young sport in the country and FAU has done a great job to see that the sport is properly organised with a good track record of previous seasons and activities as proof that the strategic plan running through 2020-2024 is taking good effect.
Uganda Women’s Soccer National Team, the Crested Cranes, kick-off training ahead of the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship 2022.
On Thursday, May 4th, 2022, the African soccer governing body, CAF announced that Uganda will host the CECAFA Women’s Championship 2022. The competition is expected to take place at FUFA Technical Center Njeru between May 22nd and June 5th.
Eight teams including host Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zanzibar have confirmed participation in this Women’s regional championship.
The Crested Cranes of Uganda have started training with an indoor session at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
“It is a good chance for us to gauge ourselves and have good preparations for the final tournament. We know this region has very competitive teams that will give us the best challenge.” head coach George Lutalo earlier said at a press conference.
Uganda Crested Cranes Coach George Lutalo
The tournament was last held in 2019 when Kenya defeated Tanzania. Unfortunately, Kenya will not participate in this edition due to a suspension by the world football governing body, FIFA.
Kenya Ports Authority, KPA commence their 2022 CAVB Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship with a win over Ethiopia’s Madda Walabu University.
This year’s edition of the CAVB 2022 Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship is hosted by Tunisia in the City of Kelibia. 14 teams from 10 nations across Africa are participating in the championship.
State Corporation sponsored club, Kenya Ports Authority is pitted in Group C together with VC Espoir, AS INJS Volleyball, and Madda Walabu University. KPA opened proceedings against University side Madda Walabu.
It was a cat and mouse game at the end of the 4th set where both teams shared sets equally, and later into the decisive. (25-21, 21-25, 28-26, 21-25). KPA went ahead to win their opening match in Set 5 (15-13).
However much Kenya Ports Authority emerged victorious from this encounter, University Madda Walabu gave the State Corporation sponsored side a run for their money, as the results can clearly reflect.
KPA return to action against AS INJS Volleyball Club at 15:00 local Tunisia Time. For results from other games follow the CAVB Twitter page here
Espoir Basketball Club capitalized on home advantage against Rusizi Basketball Club in the game. Charles Kabayiza scored 20 points to lead his team to a 98-77 win over the Rusizi based Club on Monday, May 1st, 2022 at Amahoro Indoor court.
Espoir BBC, under the guidance of Jean Claude Karemera and Danny Kirenga steadily built a lead over the first half thanks to the points from Thierry Munyeshuri and Alex Musabwa. A double-digit lead in the first quarter (31-18) and 27-19 in the second quarter to make it 58-37 at the break.
The green baggies continued to look for quick shots in the second half and were successful with them against the outfit Rusizi. In the third quarter, Espoir underlined their home strength by scoring 20 points over 14 scored by Rusizi.
In the last quarter, Rusizi tried to pull back but the gap was so big. They scored 26 points and Espoir put in 20 to end the game with a 98-77 comfortably victory for Nyamirambo boys.
Espoir captain, Charles Kabayiza poured a game-high 20 points with 8/14 field goals. Thierry Munyeshuri added 19 points while Jean Paul Iradukunda came off the bench to contribute 17 points. On the side of Rusizi, the experienced Bahati wa Bahati led the scorers with 18 points.
Espoir bounce back from last Saturday’s defeat from RP-IPRC Huye to end the first leg matches in the Rwanda Basketball League with 6 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses while Rusizi came away empty-handed from their travel to Kigali as they were also thrashed by Patriots a day before.
RP-IPRC Huye Center Elvis Mpeti led the Southerners to an 80-51 win over Espoir BBC with a 17-point, 25-rebound double-double in a Saturday Rwanda Basketball League game played at IPRC Huye Court.
With no injured Brian Mbanze, last season’s top scorer, IPRC Huye had to rely on on-form, Dieudonné Tuyishemeze, Hubert Kabare Bugingo and the big man, Elvis Mpeti who didn’t disappoint in their last game of 2022 Rwanda Basketball League first leg match.
Under the sunshine of mid-day, Espoir tied it up in the first quarter 16-16 and trailed by a point at the break, 32-31, however they were unable to keep up with the pace of IPRC Huye’s Charles Mushumba in the last 2 quarters.
IPRC’s run in the third quarter made it a game but once again they dominated when the clock got under 5 minutes. They made 26 points in the third quarter while Espoir managed to get only 6. And Nyamirambo based club was outscored 22-14 by IPRC Huye in the last quarter. Full-time, RP-IPRC Huye 80-51 Espoir BBC.
IPRC Huye Congolese Center, Elvis Mpeti recorded a double-double (17 PTS, 25 REBS), 4 assists and 2 blocks to lift the team to this thrilling victory. Dieudonné Tuyishemeze dropped a game-high 20 points while Hubert Kabare had 7 points and 12 rebounds.
Elvis Mpeti is averaging 7.8 points to go with 19.1 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game. According to the statistics, He is the best defender so far in the league this season.
RP-IPRC Huye have completed their 13 first leg matches with 8-5 While Espoir BBC will have to face Rusizi Basketball Club to conclude the first leg games.
