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NVL Finals: Who Will Be Crowned Champions of The 2021/2022 Big Boys League?

NVL
The National Volleyball League NVL Finals have come to the climax stage but the question on everyone’s mind is, “Who Will Be Crowned Champions of The Big Boys League?”

The contention runs across all 3 series in the National Volleyball League, NVL, which includes Serie A, B, and C, with Serie C having only men. At this point in the league, you will expect to watch all participating teams perform at their best as only the best teams reach this level.

Starting with Serie C, Bugema University and Elyon clash for the promotional spot to Serie B. Elyon gained an advantage in these best of 3 encounters after earning a 3-1 win over their opponent in game 1. This means that Bugema returns this weekend either to force game 3 or to wave goodbye to that promotion.

In Serie B, Nsambya based side Tigers take on SKY to whom they lost game 3-1 and the young lads of OBB will challenge a more experienced KAVC-A. Game 1 of the ladies in this Serie was one for the crowds to enjoy. OBB came back from 2 sets down to win the decisive set to clinch their first win ever at this level.

In Serie A, the top guns of Ugandan Volleyball, Nemo Stars, OBB, VVC, and Ndejje Elites will lock horns for the most contested title in the country. Okapis’ Nemo snatched one away from OBB in a game that everyone would say Nemo won based on their level of experience against NVL debutants OBB.

On the other hand, Yakan’s boys from Iganga did a job blocking National team captain George Aporu and Malinga Redman. Nsubuga’s VVC ladies also played well to take game 1 from a coach Ronnie’s more composed Ndejje Elite.

NVL

The action returns this weekend, shall we see a game 3 Sunday or will Saturday be the crowning day?

Follow the link for all results in the National Volleyball League, NVL here

Tennis: The 2022 East African Junior Teams U-12 competition set to take place in Rwanda.

Tennis: The 2022 East African Junior Teams U-12 competition set to take place in Rwanda.
Theoneste Karenzi (in the middle) addressing the media at the April 26th Press conference held at RP-IPRC Kigali
In a quest for tickets to the 12 & Under African Junior Teams competition (AJTC – U12) slated for September 2022, Rwanda will host the qualifiers in Zone 4 for boys and girls, from 27 April to 1 May 2022, at RP-IPRC Kigali courts.

The fifth edition of the East African Junior Teams competition for boys and girls of 12 years and under will bring together five countries from Zone 4, namely, the host country Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. A total of 40 players are expected to participate. 20 boys and 20 girls.

In a press conference on Tuesday, April 26, The President of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, Theoneste Karenzi, confirmed that preparations are going well and emphasized how ready Rwanda is to host this tournament.

We are on the right track. Everything is ready, the courts are ready and no problems so far.

Pointing out why Rwanda was awarded the right to host two consecutive junior competitions, the patron of the Federation highlighted the three aspects criteria for choosing Rwanda as the host.

We are hosting these tournaments at the request of the International Tennis Federation ITF and the continental governing body of tennis in Africa, CAT.

He added, “In choosing Rwanda, first and foremost, they looked at the status quo of the country in the region, second is the infrastructure readiness, and thirdly, the hosting experience & hospitality. And to top it all, the last edition we hosted was successfully organized.”

Karenzi goes on to say that he has confidence the Rwandan team will perform well due to the well-preparedness of the tournament. “Our team is well prepared, we cannot blame ourselves. We tried our best and hope it will work out.”

The winner in the boy’s category and the best 2 girls’ teams from this 2022 East African Junior Teams U-12 competition will qualify to participate in the final event of the African Junior Teams’ Championships for 12 years and under (AJTC – 12U) scheduled in September 2022 in a yet to be confirmed country.

Rwanda Tennis Federation, RTF want Rwanda to be an attractive destination for competitions as they have on-standard infrastructures and the country’s ambitions are to become a hub for sports events by hosting more tournaments including major ones like Basketball Africa League

The East African Junior Teams U-12 competition is expected to be followed by the U-14 & U-16 East African Championships. Taking place at the same venue, Kigali from 3rd May 2022.

UGB down IPRC Huye to finish their first leg matches on a positive note

UGB down IPRC Huye to finish their first leg matches on a positive note
UGB's Mc Bright Byambo dropping a three-point shot that shaped the game | Photo: FERWABA
Espoir Aganze Bazihima put in a 15-point performance as UGB defeated IPRC Huye in their last game of Rwanda Basketball League first-leg matches, to notch its second win of the weekend in Kigali Arena

An overall amazing weekend for the United Generations Basketball since they beat 30 Plus 92-43 on Friday at Amahoro Outdoor court, thrashed UR-CMHS 102-23 on Saturday, then wrap the weekend with an emphatic win over IPRC Huye 58-46 on Sunday in Kigali Arena to finish their 13 first leg matches on a very high note.

Sunday, April 17, to climax the action-packed weekend in Kigali Arena, UGB sealed a much-needed win over the direct opponent RP-IPRC Huye. As a reminder, last season, IPRC Huye beat UGB in the playoffs competition for fifth place.

United Generations Basketball, UGB, started off the game hot by taking a double-digit lead at the break, 30-20. 14-08, and 16-12 in the first and second quarters respectively.

Charles Mushumba’s IPRC Huye came back strong and took an 18-3 run in the first six minutes of the third quarter, then later ended the quarter with a point lead, 41-40. However, the Southerner’s run was not carried into the fourth quarter. UGB displayed a masterclass performance with great effort from Mc Bright Byambo, Jean de Dieu Umuhoza, and Fabrice Rukundo taking all responsibility while Espoir Aganze, was playing with 4 fouls, managing not to foul out.

They comfortably finished the game with a 58-46 victory to retain the first spot even if their win/loss ratio does not guarantee them to maintain it when the big teams complete their games.

Espoir Aganze Bazihima finished the game with 15 points and Fabrice Rukundo finished with yet another double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. IPRC’s Dieudonné Tuyishemeze scored a game high 16 points.

In this game, IPRC Huye center, Elvis Mpeti did excellent work defensively but offensively needed a lot of work to be done. He grabbed 13 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and he contributed only 2 points in 35 minutes spent on the court.

UGB has now won 8 of their last 10 games. Their record improved to 9-4 in the league this season.

Standings

For more details about Rwanda Basketball League fixtures, results and standings, follow this link.

REG BBC thump APR to put an end to their unbeaten run.

REG BBC thump APR to put an end to their unbeaten run.
REG's Beleck Bell trying to dribble past APR's Fiston Irutingabo in RBL game of 06/04/2022 | Photo: Innocent Shema
REG BBC recorded a 79-70 shock win over title hopefuls APR BBC. The win sees an end to APR’s 7 games unbeaten run while REG improves to 6-1

The defending champions, REG BBC, defeated the APR BBC 79-70 on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, to end their seven-game winning streak in the Rwanda Basketball League.

Rwanda Energy Group, REG led APR by a point in the first quarter, 21-20 and by 6 in the second to take a 44-38 halftime lead. But after that, APR BBC turned things around in the third quarter as they removed a 6 point deficit and went ahead, 62-61.

After falling behind in the third quarter, REG BBC fought back and ended up winning by 9 and APR’s seven games unbeaten has remained at that after this stellar performance from the Electricians.

Beleck Bell led five Rwanda Energy Group players in double figures with 16 points and provided 6 assists. Manga Pitchou contributed 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Herve Ikishatse added 12. Elie Kaje and Pascal Niyonkuru each scored 10 points.

APR’s new signing, Perriere Steven Axel Noe scored a game-high 20 points. The Central Africa Republic International’s debut performance was immense as he grabbed 11 rebounds and stole 6 balls too.

As the league comes to a halt for a week as Rwandans commemorate the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, REG improves to 6-1 while APR and Patriots stand at a 7-1 win/loss ratio.

 

RWENZORI EQUITY OPEN: Fresh Academy Graduate Steal The Show At The 2nd edition

RWENZORI EQUITY OPEN
Edward Rubongoya receiving his goodies

RWENZORI EQUITY OPEN Top performers
1.Ronald Rugumayo professional
2. Joseph Cwinya-ai
3. Peace Kabasweka
4. Edward Rubongoya

Edward Robogonya, one of the pioneer students in east and central Africa’s number one golf academy made news at the recent Rwenzori Equity Open held over the weekend.

RWENZORI EQUITY OPEN
Edward Rubongoya in action

The sixteen-year-old academy graduate, who came in the second position during the first edition of the Rwenzori Equity Open in 2021, was a different player at the 2nd edition of the same tournament where he outcompeted a field of 71 amateurs that played at the par 70 courses of Toro club in Fort portal during the weekend.

Teeing off in a category of senior players such as Saul Kusemererwa, Edward Nyatia and Bengura Jimmy, the junior player did not only shine in his category but shone overall with the best net of 66 to steal the show of the weekend in the tourism city.

In a brief interview after the games, he had this to say: “I am very happy to have won the net category but I am disappointed because my target was to shoot -7 but I missed a lot of short putts which cost me a couple of shots. Going forward I must up my game because my coach has trained me very well so I should perform better.”

He went on to say that he was glad that his team members gave him a good environment to play a fairly nice round of golf and appreciated the coaches and staff of the AFRIYEA Golf Academy for the great work they are doing.

Coach Lillian Koowe further added that the Academy is offering a great opportunity for the juniors to reach their full potential and we all believe this Academy is on point to its mission of getting a PGA player in 10 years.

The golf prodigy also extended his appreciation to Mizuno who donated clubs to the academy early last year saying that his game had changed greatly since he started using the quality clubs.

RWENZORI EQUITY OPEN
Ronald Rugumayo and Joseph Cwinya-ai donning in AFRIYEA Golf Academy jumpers posing for pictures with the representatives of Equity

The gross category was won by Joseph Cwinyaai, the national team captain and coach of the AFRIYEA Golf Academy with -3 whilst the professional category was won by Ronald Rugumayo who toppled the 21 professionals. Peace Kabasweka who recently won the Entebbe Ladies Open championship didn’t wait to add another trophy from her homeland and played 75 gross to trounce all the ladies.

GROSS
WINNER: JOSEPH CWINYAAI- 67
RUNNERS UP: KISEMBO PETER-75
GROUP A 6-12
WINNER: Kambale Godfrey -65net
1st Runner Up: Businge Simon -68net
2nd runner up: Tusiime Peter -68net
GROUP B 13-18
Winner Rubongoya Edward -66net
1st Runner up: Ahimbisibwe- 67net
2nd Runner Up: Tuhumwirwe Martin -76net
GROUP B 19-36
Winner: Ezama Moses- 71net
1st Runner up Kwikiriza Ronald -72net
2nd Runner up Jackson was -74net
Ladies
Gross
Winner Kabasweka peace -75
Runner up Kisembo Joyce- 80
GROUP A Ladies 0-18
Winner Kabayonga Janet -69net
Runner up Edrae kagombe -72net
GROUP B 19-36
WINNER Atuhaire charity -75net
Runner Kyatuka Joan -76net
SENIORS
Winners:  Bizibu William -66net
Runner up Bwango Smart-74net
66+
Winner: Kagombe Charles 70net
Runner: Gilbert Mujogya Atwooki -76net

Longest drive Men: joseph Cwinyaai
Nearest to pin men: Tumuhirwe Martin
Longest: drive ladies: Faith
Nearest to pin ladies Faith

PROS WINNER RONALD RUGUMAYO 138 TOTAL TWO DAYS

REG BBC bounce back with a solid win over Shoot For The Stars

REG BBC bounce back with a solid win over Shoot For The Stars
Pascal Niyonkuru starred as RBL Champions, REG BBC returned to winning ways | Photo Credit: Innocent Shema
Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club, REG bounce back from their Saturday night loss in Kigali Arena with an 86-67 win over the Shoot For The Stars on Wednesday. Pascal Niyonkuru drops 20 points, grabs 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 22 minutes

Ahead of Wednesday, March 30, game at Amahoro outdoor court, REG BBC coach Henry Mwinuka’s reactions were expected from an ugly loss against the Patriots last Saturday in Kigali Arena.

Coming into tonight’s game, the defending champions had been struggling with turnovers and poor shooting due to the short time of warm-ups as they arrived at the venue late. Thus the first quarter ended 21-18 in favour of Shoot for The Stars.

As the second quarter began, it looked like that trend may continue. However, the players winning mentality helped them to get back and controlled the second quarter and the rest of the game. Pascal Niyonkuru led, and REG BBC followed (23-17, 28-11 and 17-18), with the scores of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.

Niyonkuru scored a team-high 20 points while Beleck Bell, Kami Kabange and Olivier Shyaka scored in double-digit as well. They scored 14, 12 and 10 points respectively.

On the side of Shoot for the Stars, Charles Nkurunziza had 20 points, Podo Caled (15 PTS/10 REBS) and Frank Kamndoh (12 PTS/10 REBS) produced double-double performances. Jordan Yezakuzwe added 12 points too.

This was the game fans wanted to see from the REG BBC for no other reason than to erase the memory of that ugly loss to their rivals Patriots. REG improves to 3-1 and stands in 10th position in the Rwanda Basketball League led by UGB.

UGB lead the standing after last night’s away nail-biting victory against IPRC Kigali

The league games continue on Friday

The Patriots erase a 12-point deficit at half time to secure a hard fought victory over REG BBC

The Patriots erase a 12-point deficit at half time to secure a hard fought victory over REG BBC
Elie Kaje trying to defend Bush Wamukota in REG BBC vs Patriots clash of March 26, 2022 | Courtesy Photo
The Patriots came back from a half time double-digit deficit and pulled off a spectacular victory over their fierce rivals REG BBC. Bush Wamukota and Dieudonné Ndizeye scored 17 points apiece as their team routed REG BBC 70-63 in Kigali Arena.

On Saturday, March 26, Kigali Arena hosted the first 2022 clash of the Titans between two basketball giants in Rwanda, Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club and The Patriots.

Before the game, a minute of silence has been held at Kigali Arena for Aboubacar Barame.

The game started in very high spirits even though REG BBC, the defending champions, got off to a good opening and took an early lead over the Patriots to finish the first quarter with a 19-14. The Electricians carried energy from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter and went into the break leading with 12 points, 42-30.

After a slow start in the first 2 periods, the Patriots came back stronger in the third quarter and cut a 12-point deficit to 1 point before the last quarter started, 51-52.

In the last quarter, REG BBC could have relied on the experienced Beleck Bell, but he fouled out with 8 minutes remaining. The Patriots, with crowd support, outscored their rivals 19-11 to finish the game-high and claim the league top spot again.

Patriots’ Bush Tom Wamukota scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Dieudonné Ndizeye contributed 17 points too.

Earlier at the same venue, IPRC Kigali fought back after trailing APR BBC by as many as 16 points at the break, 22-38, outscored them 35-15 in the third quarter, but their resurgence fell short as the Army side captured control of the game in the last quarter not only to win the game, 76-69 but also to keep their winning streak alive. 4 games so far, and they are yet to taste a defeat.

In the women’s category, REG Women BBC comfortably beat The Hoops 69-50. Sandra Kantore led the way with 22 points, while Rosine Micomyiza finished with 18 points for The Hoops.

APR Women BBC beat RP-IPRC Huye 57-51

For more Results, Standings about Rwanda Basketball League, follow this link

FERWABA Unveil new League logo while REG begin title defense triumphantly over the Tigers.

FERWABA Unveil new League logo while REG begin title defense triumphantly over the Tigers.
Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA has unveiled the Rwanda Basketball League logo as it prepares for life without a league sponsor whilst REG BBC began to defend their title this season with an easy victory against Tigers late this Wednesday evening.

The new logo was launched during the press conference held at the federation’s office in Kigali Arena on Wednesday afternoon at the occasion to hand over the cash prize to the designer. The Federation used the opportunity to inform the general public that FIBA approved Rwanda as the host for the 3rd window of 2023 World Cup Qualifiers group A and B.

Landry Jabo, FERWABA CEO handing over the cheque of 500000 rwf to Sandra D’amour Mukama, the artist who designed logo

During this Press conference, Claudette Mugwaneza, FERWABA technical advisor provided the updates for the upcoming Division 2 with 16 teams including Intare Basketball Club starting their journey in the quest for promotion to Rwanda Basketball top flight league. The league tips off on April 1st and the fixtures will be released in due course.

FERWABA technical advisor, Claudette Mugwaneza

Two hours after launching the league’s new visual identity, the Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club didn’t let the celebration of their stunning performance in BAL distract them as they started off their title defense.

The defending champions, REG BBC handed Tigers BBC a heavy defeat of 87-35. Pascal Niyonkuru ‘Kakyeka’ scored 25 points.

Behind Niyonkuru’s big performance, Olivier Shyaka added 17 points, and Nshobozwa had 13.

REG will be back on court on Friday night against UGB before they rub shoulders with Patriots on Saturday night in a clash of rivals

Frank Kamndoh and Shoot For the Stars stun 30 Plus

Frank Kamndoh and Shoot For the Stars stun 30 Plus
Despite Playing with ankle injury, Frank Kamndoh still proves how an incredible defender is.
Last season’s league-best defender, Frank Kamndoh dropped a game-high 19 points and 21 rebounds as the Shoot For Stars pulled off a 65-43 victory over 30 Plus BBC on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Amahoro.

Following a disappointing defeat from Espoir BBC on Friday night in IPRC Kigali, Shoot For the Stars made a very brave comeback to beat 30 Plus BBC today thanks to the standout performance from their Center, Frank Kamndoh Betoudji.

Frank Kamndoh has immense contribution to the team both offensively as well as defensively. He had an efficient performance today of 19 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks.

In this game, Shoot For Stars led almost the entire game as they outscored their opponent (16-14, 21-09, 09-15 and 19-05). Jordan Yezakuzwe and Podo Caleb scored in double figures too.

Podo Caleb registered 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 steals while Jordan Yezakuzwe scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. On the side of 30 Plus, Edouard Mugabo had a team-best 13 points and 11 rebounds.

In the next assignment, Shoot For the stars will face Patriots on Friday while 30 Plus will travel to Rusizi.

For more Rwanda Basketball National League Results, Follow this link

REG BBC beat Clube Ferroviario da Beira to win 2022 BAL Sahara Conference.

REG BBC beat Clube Ferroviario da Beira to win 2022 BAL Sahara Conference.
Dieudonne Ndizeye Ndayisaba's double double performance earned him a MVP in REG's final game of 2022 BAL Sahara Conference
Rwanda Energy Group, REG claim Sahara Conference after a 94-89 victory at Dakar Arena against Mozambican side Clube Ferroviario da Beira. They sealed a 4-1 win ratio and clinch the 2022 BAL Final games ticket as well as becoming the first team to win the conference in BAL history

Dakar, March 15, 2022, The Rwandan flag bearers and east African representative in 2022 Basketball Africa League, Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club have secured the top spot of the Sahara Conference ahead of giants US Monastir.

With REG’s 94-89 win on Tuesday night against the Mozambicans, the Rwanda Energy Group, REG finished the BAL regular season with a 4-1 win-loss record. The same ratio as Tunisian’s US Monastir however, the rule states that when the teams are tied at the end of the competition, head-to-head matches will be the tie-breaker. REG blew out US Monastir 77-74 a day before.

The Rwanda National Champions started Tuesday’s game strong and led by 10 points at the break (20-17, 28-21) before CF-Beira turned things around and took the control of the third quarter, 18-23. In the last quarter, both teams come out hot with good offensive game plans and an up-tempo pace as they all put in 28 baskets aside.

Starman Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored a game-high and BAL career-best 28 points. Nshobozwa shoot 8-11 from behind the arc while Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba added 21 points also dishing out 4 assists and grabbing 13 rebounds. This stellar performance earned Ndizeye a player of the game.

Robert John Pack Jr and his REG team had to fight and win the game to make sure that they secured the number one seed in Sahara Conference and be guaranteed to face the #4 seed from the Nile conference when the playoffs tip off in Kigali.

REG BBC head coach, Robert John Pack Jr become the first head coach to win a BAL conference league | Courtesy Photo

REG finished Sahara Conference in the first position, followed by US Monastir, AS Salé and SLAC in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions respectively. The positions that guarantee them the playoffs in Kigali. CF-Beira and DUC are eliminated.

The Basketball Africa League Nile Conference will tip-off on April 9th with the playoffs slated in Kigali from May 21-28 this year.