Azam FC Lock Horns With Table Bottom 4 JKT.

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October 30, 2020

Azam FC Lock Horns With Table Bottom 4 JKT.

Current table leaders Azam FC lock horns with JKT who registered a 6-1 win against Mwadui in their previous fixture.

Table leaders Azam FC, today lock horns with 15th placed JKT in the Vodacom Premier League. Azam FC was on a winning streak with after they recorded 7 wins in 7 games but this was brought to an end when they visited Mtibwa Sugar on Monday where they lost 1-0 at Jamhuri stadium.

On the side, struggling JKT exhibited an astonishing performance when they visited Mwagui at Mwadui Complex and bagged 3 points after a 6-1 win. This win was not good enough for them to stand above Mwadui in the table as they are 15th with 8 points after 8 games one point short of Mwadui.

Azam FC are in a tight position and are at risk of dropping the No.1 to Young African who have a game in hand and only 2 points short of the leaders. Azam will host JKT today Friday, October 30, 2020, at 7.00 pm East African Time (EAT) at Azam Complex in a match they surely have to win.

Azam FC have expressed confidence and assurance that they will return to their winning ways in their next fixture. Azam are with their lead striker Prince Dube who has so far netted 6 while JKT stands with Adam, the only player in the league who has scored a HATTRICK!

JKT head coach Abdallah Bares knows that this fixture will be one to keep him on his toes but he is confident his side will not the points but rather walk back home with 3.

Azam starting line up

Action-packed Schedule For Kenya’s U17, U20 and Seniors

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 30, 2020

Action-packed Schedule For Kenya's U17, U20 and Seniors — Courtesy Photo | Kenya U20

Kenya’s football calendar quite action-packed as the U17, U20 and seniors in contention through late 2020.

Kanya’s Harambee Stars in preparation ahead of their doubleheader 2021 AFCON Qualifiers against Comoros. The first leg will be played at the MISC Kasarani on November 11, 2020, at 7 pm, under floodlights, while the second leg has been scheduled for November 15, 2020.

New head coach Jacob Mulee put together a team of local players that entered camp on Wednesday at Utalii Ground in Nairobi with their foreign-based colleagues expected to come starting Sunday, November 1, 2020.

“It was an exciting first training session as we gauged the players and as the camp progresses we will take our training sessions one step at a time and hopefully gunner, a positive result at home,” he said

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Defenders

Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Titus Achesa(Sofapaka, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya)

Midfielders

Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olaka (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya)

Forwards

Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan),Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Reserves

Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya)

In other competition, while the seniors are preparing for AFCON Qualifiers, The juniors will also contend in CECAFA championships. Tanzania will host the U20 competitions from November 22 to December 6 and Rwanda will host the U17 between December 13 and 28.

CECAFA Championships U20 drawn as follows.

Group A: Tanzania (Host), Rwanda, Somalia, Djibouti

Group B: Burundi, Eritrea, South Sudan, Uganda

Group C: Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan

Football Kenya Federation has today morning named the U20 squad to play in the CECAFA Champions U20

Goalkeepers

Maxwell Mulili (AFC Leopards), Bixente Otieno ( Wazito), Elvis Ochieng (City Stars)

Defenders

Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Omar Somobwana (AFC Leopards), Joseph Levin (Naivas), Wardfine Akhatsika (Chebuyusi High School), Kelvin Mose (Uweza), Alphonse Omija (Gor Mahia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Rolland Ashimoto (Kakamega High School), Steiner Musasia (Talanta), Nicholas Omondi (Gor Mahia), Keith Imbali (Gor Mahia Youth)

Midfielders

Enoch Wanyama (Ligi Ndogo), Ronald Reagan (Kariobangi Sharks), Alphonse Washe (Bandari), Hamid Mohammed (Bandari), Danson Kiprono (Zoo), Ian Simiyu (Nzoia Sugar), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Mwakio Kisaka (Riruta United), Timothy Ouma (Nairobi City Stars), Telvin Maina (Kisumu All-Stars), Arnold Onyango (USA)

Forwards

Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Stephen Otieno (Bongonaya), Kappen Samuel (Liberty), Sellasie Otieno (Nzoia Sugar), Unaiz Shajani (Starfield Elite FC)

CECAFA Championships U17 drawn as follows.

Group A: Rwanda (Host), Eritrea, South Sudan

Group B: Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya

Group C: Sudan, Djibouti, Tanzania

StarTimes UPL Updates – What have you missed?

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 30, 2020

StarTimes UPL Updates - What have you missed? — WearYourLocalJersey Campaign

StarTimes UPL Updates: What you missed – Police Fc, URA Fc, Wakiso Giants, Sc Villa and The National Team.

Police Football Club.

Police FC confirmed to media that Tonny Mawejje is the new club captain. According to Coach Abdallah Mubiru, The newly recruited experienced midfielder will command the 29man squad that has been confirmed.

He will be assisted by Dennis Rukundo, Joseph Sentume and Samuel Kayonga in that particular order. Tonny said he is ready to take the mantle and try and help the team achieve season’s main objectives. Tonny Mawejje who has not featured in the National team for 3 years was summoned by Coach Jonathan Mckinstry.

URA Football Club.

URA FC signed last seasons UPL top performer Steven Mukwala from Vipers SC who was on Laon at relegated side Maroons FC. He’s been signed on a 2 year deal with an option to extend for a further year. Steven Mukwala scored 13 goals in 22 appearances for Maroons FC. He confirmed to club website that URA FC is a big club and I feel so delighted and proud to be part of this great team. They’re so organised and with a playing style that matches mine.

Wakiso Giants FC. The Wakiso Based side announced yesterday 29th October that their new kit is coming out soon. In a campaign that dubbed UPL WearYourLocalJersey to drive UPL stakeholders support and build Uganda football, there was a showcase at Star times stadium Lugogo by different clubs which included Wakiso Giants FC, KCCA FC, URA FC, SC Villa, Express Fc, Vipers SC and Police FC. The campaign is to encourage club fans to purchase their local club jerseys so clubs can get some additional income to help facilitate run clubs effectively.

Sports Club Villa.

SC Villa got their new fitness partner this week on 27th October. The Ultimate Fitness Kampala. The newest and latest entrant to the Jogoo family of partners. Sc villa confirmed to their fans that they are on a journey of rebuilding their great club.

RVNL-Women: APR WVC to face UTB WVC in the final.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 29, 2020

APR to face UTB in the Rwanda Volleyball National League women’s playoff final.

It has been decided in the RVNL women’s side that APR will meet UTB at the final.

This was achieved after APR WVC won their second match against RRA. APR again played the decisive set in the match which lasted 2hrs and 30 minutes. RRA won the first set at 25-17, APR immediately regained its strength by winning 2 sets in a row 25-23 and 25-16 then RRA reacted and forced them to play a decisive after winning set 4, 25-21. APR overpowered them on the fifth set with 17-15. APR in two games has recorded two wins and 4 points, which guaranteed them to play in the final.

This was followed by a snappy win by UTB 3-0 over KVC. Unlike the previous game, in this match, the teams were not on the same level. KVC had only seven players. The scores were 25-18, 25-16 and 25-11 in the third set.

APR VC is back in the final since 2018, to face defending champions UTB WVC. The unfit RRA will face off KVC for third place. Games are scheduled on Saturday, October 31 but the teams will have to complete the group stage games on Friday in what looks like a meaningless fixture.

Gisagara VC start with revenge against their rivals REG VC

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 29, 2020

Gisagara VC start with revenge against their rivals REG VC — Gisagara VC against REG VC

Gisagara Volleyball Club starts the playoffs with revenge against their rivals REG Volleyball Club.

Almost 8 months have passed since the last time the spikes were hit in the Rwanda Volleyball National League. REG who were on top before the National League was halted did not have an easy start in playoffs where they started by losing to their rivals Gisagara VC.

3-0 straight sets is not the results that everyone expected in the match of the day between the finalists from last season. REG had only 11 players in this match and left attacker Christopher Mukunzi was absent most probably because he has parted ways with the team. Gisagara, led by head coach Pierre Kwizera who is a former REG player, won the game with clear dominance, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22. It was retaliation for Gisagara following that they lost to REG in last season’s playoff finals where the latter clinched the title 2-1 (best of 3)

In other matches of the day, APR VC upset UTB giants 3-1. APR started high winning set 1 25-14 and then set 25-18. Set 3, UTB led by Fidel Nyirimana reacted by winning 25-22. APR VC finally won set 4 25-23. UTB was without the services of Cameroonian Sime Mbappe Julliard.

In the women’s category, the defending champions, UTB defeated RRA 3-0 before APR WVC overthrow KVC in a five-set thriller.

For more and detailed data about these playoffs games, check below

Rwanda National Volleyball League Men’s Playoffs and Women’s Playoffs

Rwanda Volleyball National League is back. Open day derby – REG VC vs Gisagara VC

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 27, 2020

Rwanda Volleyball National League is back. Open day derby - REG VC vs Gisagara VC — REG Volleyball Club

Rwanda is showing steady progress as sports activities are gradually adopting the new normal. With the basketball playoffs concluded last week, now the Rwanda Volleyball National League is back.

Following the decision by the ministry of sports to resume sports, in particular, competitive sports, the Rwanda Volleyball National League has followed basketball to see that their league is concluded before the end of this year.

Just like all other sports and leagues, the Rwanda Volleyball National League was halted in March early this as measures were put in place to combat the spread of Corona Virus in the Country. Before the halt, Gisagara VC topped the table in front of REG VC in the men’s and UTB women’s volleyball club had not lost in five games.

Nine rounds for the men and five rounds for the women had been played right before the lockdown. Rwanda Volleyball Federation made the decision to take 4 teams from both genders to proceed to the playoffs. The format of the contention will be; the 4 teams will play a round-robin to derive the ranking of the teams then the top two will compete for the title while the other bottom two will compete for third place.

The teams that will feature in playoffs are Gisagara Volleyball Club, REG Volleyball Club, UTB Volleyball Club, and APR Volleyball Club in the men’s category. In the Women’s category APR Volleyball Club, Rwanda Revenue Authority Volleyball Club, UTB Volleyball Club and KVC. The two finalists, REG VC and Gisagara VC from last season will clash on matchday 1.

Teams have entered camp at the Hill Top hotel and will not be allowed to leave until the games end on October 31. The games will be played behind closed doors and the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency will air all the games.

Last season, UTB WVC won the women’s title in their first year after defeating RRA in the playoffs finals and in the men’s category, REG VC won the title after thrashing Gisagara VC in the finals.

Full Fixtures Here:

Men’s fixtures and Women’s fixtures

‘I am happy I had the opportunity to stand’ – Hadijah Namanda.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 27, 2020

I am happy I had opportunity to stand - Hadijah Namanda. — UVF President Hadija Namanda

Uganda Volleyball Present Hadija Namanda expressed how glad she was to have an opportunity to stand for the post of Gender Minority at the 2020 elective congress.

Sunday, October 25, 2020, the 2020 Elective Congress was held to decide the next leaders of the volleyball governing of Africa (CAVB).

Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) president Hadija Namanda was among the candidates who stood for Gender Minority against Zone VI Agness Nakaonga KAKOMA from Zambia and Mpho PALIME from Lesotho.

Unfortunately, UVF president did not emerge victorious after Lesotho counterpart won the election. Talking to Ground Sports, the president expressed how delighted she was to have the opportunity to stand for the post at that level.

Congratulations to Bouchra HAJIJ on her victory and becoming new CAVB president.

Full List Of Winners

CAVB 2020 Congress

MUKANEZA Promises a stronger come back next season for Ubumwe BBC.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 27, 2020

MUKANEZA Promises a stronger come back next season for Ubumwe BBC. — Coach Mukaneza Esperance

Ubumwe BBC head coach Esperance Mukaneza promises that her side will come back stronger next season.

Ubumwe BBC head coach Esperance Mukaneza, who said that she is not happy with how her side emerged 3rd behind RP-IPRC Huye and champions The Hoops Rwanda at the end of the season promises her fans that the team will be back stronger next season.

Following the stoppage of the BKBNL in March, Ubumwe was placed 2nd with 3 wins in five games which gave them the right to play in the BKBNL closing tournament. Ubumwe played 5 games, won only 2 games and these were against unfit APR BBC. They finished 3rd, a result that did not impress their head coach Mukaneza who testified that she wanted the trophy.

In an interview with the head coach, Ground-Sports wanted to find out what the team lacked to achieve the desired results. Coach Mukaneza told us that the injuries were at the forefront of the hindrances to winning the trophy but added that they are going to prepare for next year and come back strong.

Mukaneza said, “We are not happy with the results we got this season but we accepted it. A third place in the league of 6 women’s teams in Rwanda is not bad at all. These games (BKBNL Closing tournament games) were difficult for us due to the time we spent without playing (lockdown time). We had many injuries as our captain (Aisha) was injured during the training sessions and she did not help us as much as usual. We wanted to win the trophy but it did not happen but it showed us that we are a team that can compete. Next year we will back strong and hope that we will win the league.”

She added, “We wanted a title but for real when people play there has to be a winner and the way I wanted the trophy is the same way my fellow head coaches wanted it too. So, they had something special ahead of me, they won it!”

About her player, Sarah Ageno, the coach said the injury she got at the start of the season was huge frustration and created a huge gap. She said, “Sarah Ageno was injured in the first match of the regular season. The match we played against IPRC Huye, she broke her knee. As you know, players always want to play so, she made the injury worse by playing. Even in the BKBNL, she wanted to play but we refused since she was not yet well recovered. We are still providing medical service for her. The player wants to play but we as parents at Ubumwe can not risk her life for a game. She has to recover first. Her knee is being treated and we are helping her get treatment. She is our player next season.”

Mukaneza stated that despite not reaching their target in this season, she has something to be proud of this season.“Kabarere Jovithe. I thank her for the excellent behavior, she is a lady with a young child who gave birth last year. It is clear that in the COVID-19 lockdown, she prepared and practised a lot because she later lost 15 kilogrammes so she played many minutes in these games,” said the coach.

She continued, “Irakoze Ange Nelly, 19. She has enhanced her performance a lot this year and her improvement is evident. There was also Akon who helped us a lot.”

She highlighted the individual performance of Rose Akon who played for Ubumwe in the Basketball league closing tournament. “Her performance is unparalleled, she is the one who has scored the most points in this tournament even more than those who have won the trophy. We give credit for that.”

Asked if they will keep her in Ubumwe, the head coach replied, “I want to keep her but it is not easy because she is still a student at Uganda Christian University. But we are still in negotiations. It is not over.”

What can we expect from Ubumwe next season?

“Ubumwe will come back higher than we ended this season. The organization in the team is getting better and we are looking forward to recruiting more players, we want to add a point guard to help Georgia,” she replied.

Rose Akon Exclusive – ‘The basketball journey to Rwanda’

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 26, 2020

Rose Akon Exclussive - 'The basketball journey to Rwanda' — Rose Akon | Ubumwe BBC

Ground Sports got in touch with Rose Akon for an exclusive interview and she shared with us what transpired from her short basketball journey to the nation of 1000 hills.

The Bank of Kigali Basketball National league was played to conclusion in a tournament format and Ground Sports had a word with an outstanding player who helped her emerge 3rd at the end of the competition.

Here is what Rose Akon had to say about her short term experience in Rwanda.

You have played across East Africa, how do you compare the level of basketball in the region?

“Well, I can say the level of basketball I’ve played in Tanzania is not much different from the level of basketball I have played in Rwanda cause they are the same players I always face, during Zone 5 especially with JKL I am pretty much sure that I have played against the same people I have played here in Rwanda. So, there is no much of a difference. Though the ones in Zone 5 in Tanzania, was much of a higher level cause that was Zone 5 and they had brought in more players from outside, other teams had recruited players from out and there was some kind of high competition compared here. Caused the players recruited are more skilled and more aggressive compared to the ones that are in Rwanda now. But what I can say is yeah, there is a little bit of a difference just a slight difference but there is no much of a difference because they are the same players. The ones I played against in Tanzania are the ones I’ve played against in Rwanda so it’s just the same.”

Who was your toughest opponent at the BKBNL tournament where your side emerged

“Team: RP-IPRC Huye and player: Charlotte Umugwaneza.”

What kind of experience did you get from playing alongside Georgia Otieno from Kenya?

“Playing alongside Georgia has been fun. I have really had the best tournament ever. Seriously she has been there for me throughout the tournament like both off the court and on the court, she has been one of the people I can rely on. If I needed advise on something or messing up on the court, she would be there for me, she would keep me going, she would keep my head in the game and everything. So, she is amazing, she is a true friend, she is a true teammate. She is good. I am sure she is one of the best point guards in Kenya and the ones I would really want to play with any time. She has been really good. It has been a wonderful tournament and I have had fun with her in my team.”

Does Kigali Arena liken to any other stadium you have played in?

“You can not compare Kigali Arena to any other. This one is top class 100%. It is beautiful.”

Any advice for the young ladies who would love to pursue a basketball career?

“Discipline, hard work, humility, determination and always stay ready, you do not even need a coach to upgrade your game, everything is on the internet. Above all pray to God.”

And finally any chance you will be staying to play in Rwanda

“I will be going back to Uganda to complete my degree.”

Rose Akon displayed quite impressive performance at this competition. In the group stages, she came out at the top of the stats chart. In the 3rd contention game against APR BBC (W), Ubumwe won 67-52 and Rose had 29 baskets to her name.

Tchabalala earns AS Kigali a draw in a friendly match

By

Ground Sports

-

October 25, 2020

Hussein Shaban “Tchabalala” earns his side AS Kigali a draw in yet another friendly match played at Kigali stadium.

Following that these teams have been given the green light to resume training earlier than other teams as they prepare for interclub continental cups, two matches were organised by the teams in a way friendly encounters.

Game 1 was played last Thursday, October 22, 2020, and Game 2 was played today Sunday, October 25th, 2020. In the previous encounter, both teams managed to find the net once and the match played out as a draw at APR training grounds.

In Game 2, the hosts, AS Kigali made seven changes to the team that faced APR FC last Thursday while APR FC made only one change in 11 starters. Yves Mugunga took the place of Yannick Bizimana.

In this match, APR FC started with a lot of energy and in the first five minutes, the Military team opened the score through their new midfielder from SC Kiyovu, Keddy Ndanzimfura. Half time ended with a 1-0 score in favour of APR FC.

In the second half, AS Kigali made more substitutions including the introduction of Burundi International striker, Shaban Hussein “Tchabalala” who scored the equalizer 5 minutes before the end of the game. A goal from the APR FC goalkeeper’s mistake, Ahishakiye Herithier. Full time 1-1.

Shaban Hussein, who scored 13 goals last season at Bugesera FC, 2nd top scorer. This summer moved to AS Kigali, and he made his debut for Citizens today.

AS Kigali Starting XI: Eric Ndayishimiye, Hassan Rugirayabo, Latif Bishira, Mosse Rurangwa, Jean Paul Ahoyikuye, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Eric Nsabimana, Felix Ndekwe, Janvier Benedata, Fiston Nkinzingabo, and Sudi Abdallah.
Subs: Shamiru Bate, Michel Rusheshangoga, Christian Ishimwe, Rachid Kalisa, Jean Bosco Kayitaba, Muhadjili Hakizimana, Hassan Karera, Abed Biramahire, Shaban Hussein and Rugero.

APR FC Starting XI: Herithier Ahishakiye, Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Claude Niyomugabo, Olivier Niyonzima, Djabel Manishimwe, Keddy Nsanzimfura, Danny Usengimana, Yves Mugunga, and Lague Byiringiro.
Subs: Umar Rwabugiri, Bosco Ruboneka, Annicet Ishimwe, Dieudonne Nzotanga, Kevin Ishimwe, Djuma Nizeyimana, Prince Buregeya and Yannick Bizimana

Current table leaders Azam FC lock horns with JKT who registered a 6-1 win against Mwadui in their previous fixture.

Kenya’s football calendar quite action-packed as the U17, U20 and seniors in contention through late 2020.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Reserves

CECAFA Championships U20 drawn as follows.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

CECAFA Championships U17 drawn as follows.

StarTimes UPL Updates: What you missed – Police Fc, URA Fc, Wakiso Giants, Sc Villa and The National Team.

Police Football Club.

URA Football Club.

Sports Club Villa.

APR to face UTB in the Rwanda Volleyball National League women’s playoff final.

Gisagara Volleyball Club starts the playoffs with revenge against their rivals REG Volleyball Club.

Rwanda is showing steady progress as sports activities are gradually adopting the new normal. With the basketball playoffs concluded last week, now the Rwanda Volleyball National League is back.

Full Fixtures Here:

Uganda Volleyball Present Hadija Namanda expressed how glad she was to have an opportunity to stand for the post of Gender Minority at the 2020 elective congress.

Full List Of Winners

Ubumwe BBC head coach Esperance Mukaneza promises that her side will come back stronger next season.

What can we expect from Ubumwe next season?

Ground Sports got in touch with Rose Akon for an exclusive interview and she shared with us what transpired from her short basketball journey to the nation of 1000 hills.

You have played across East Africa, how do you compare the level of basketball in the region?

Who was your toughest opponent at the BKBNL tournament where your side emerged

What kind of experience did you get from playing alongside Georgia Otieno from Kenya?

Does Kigali Arena liken to any other stadium you have played in?

Any advice for the young ladies who would love to pursue a basketball career?

And finally any chance you will be staying to play in Rwanda

Hussein Shaban “Tchabalala” earns his side AS Kigali a draw in yet another friendly match played at Kigali stadium.

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