Patriots clinched a third consecutive title of the Basketball league in Rwanda for men’s category and The Hoops won their first title for women’s category .
The Patriots, founded in 2014 won their fourth and third in a row yesterday after overcoming REG BBC at the finals of the tournament created to conclude the basketball league.
The Bank of Kigali sponsored league kicked off in January 2020 with 14 teams and was later in March 2020 halted together with all other sports activities as a means to combat the spread of the Corona Virus outbreak. Rwanda basketball governing body FERWABA at a general assembly meeting held on September 12 this year, decided that Basketball League should be resumed and played in a tournament format.
H.E The President Paul Kagame watched the final game. REG BBC vs Patriots
In a bubble setting, BKBNL resumed in October 2020. There were 3 different stages; group stages, semi-finals and finals. Yesterday Saturday, the rivalry between Patriots BBC and REG BBC resumed in the final of the tournament. Patriots BBC led all 4 quarters of the game to guarantee a win over REG BBC and a third conservation title stacking up their tally of 4 since their establishment in 2014.
Kenneth Gasana led the scorers chart in this matchPatriots’ Aristide Mugabe lifted the league trophy for the 8th time in last 10 years. 4 times with Patriots and another 4 with Espoir BBC
In the women’s category, it was a historic day for Mutokambali’s The Hoops Rwanda as they won their first basketball league title. They achieved victory over RP-IPRC Huye in an intense match which ended in a close score of 68-63. RP-IPRC put up a good fight leading the first, second and through to the third quarter of the game but this was not good enough to match the energy when The Hoops put matters into their hands in the last quarter. It was an unimaginable scene for side RP-IPRC Huye who had not lost a single league game since July 2019.
The Hoops captain Micomyiza Rosine scored 20 points, assisted 4 and made 6 reboundsWhen you win the league for the first time
Men’s third place was taken by IPRC Kigali after beating APR BBC 87-79 and Ubumwe in women’s category after beating APR BBC 66-52.
The Hoops Rwanda will represent the country in Zone 5 games while the Patriots will feature in the African Basketball League for the second consecutive time.
A massive rivalry continues as Patriots BBC and REG BBC tussle it out in the final of the BKBNL closing tournament.
History is repeating itself as it was last year when Patriots and REG were the two clubs that competed for the Basketball League title. The two sides are back at it in a new format that we can call playoffs even though this time, there will be a single game.
The semi-finals in both men’s and women’s categories were played yesterday Friday, October 23, 2020. The first match saw RP-IPRC(W) Huye play against APR BBC(W) and the army side was the first to drop out in the race to the finals. IPRC Huye team captain, Sandra Nelly Nsanzabaganwa scored 19 points help his team overcome rivals 67-52 to secure a spot in the finals.
The second game of the day was in the men’s category. REG beat APR 75-68. This match’s highlight was an outstanding performance from REG and Rwanda National Team Power forward, Kami Kabange Milambwe who scored 24 points and new recruit Aden Faisal Jama who scored 18 points while APR’s Isom Cedrick scored 13 points and provided 10 assists.
This match was blessed by the presence of H.E President Paul Kagame.
In the third game and second semifinal for women’s category, The Hoops eliminated Ubumwe to set up an iconic final against the invincible IPRC Huye. In this match, coach Mutokambali’s Ladies succeeded to stop Rose Akon who exhibited a high-level performance in these games. Rose Akon scored 13 points in this match and this is the lowest score from her since the start of the tournament on October 18. The Hoops’ Ebengo Feza, didn’t miss any single minute of the game as she played 40 minutes, she recorded the highest score of the game too, 29 points and 25 rebounds. The match ended 69-53 in favour of Hoops Rwanda.
The last match of the day was between Patriots and IPRC Kigali. We have seen IPRC Kigali beat the Patriots in the regular season. The first surprise was the absence of Buzangu Mike of IPRC Kigali due to the number of foreigners (only 2 foreigners are allowed to be used in a match). Coach Bahufite Jean chose to use a young Burundian Point Guard, Benit Nijimbere.
The brotherhood battle. Benit Nijimbere of IPRC Kigali (Yellow) confronts his old brother Guibert Nijimbere of Patriots.
In this match, the Patriots beat IPRC Kigali in all the Quarters with the help of their rich squad where they rotated players from the start to the end of the match. In their 88 points scored, the Patriots had 35 points from the bench which is almost 40% of all the points they scored. Said Amisi’s 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block were not enough to hand IPRC Kigali a win. On the other side, Kenneth Gasana put the ball 18 points through the hoop in the 17 minutes he played.
The final games are scheduled today on October 24, 2020. IPRC Huye vs The Hoops Rwanda and REG vs Patriots. And the question is, will Mutokambali lead the Hoops to their first-ever league title or will IPRC Huye clinch the trophy with an unbeaten record. In both the regular season and this tournament created to conclude the BKBNL, IPRC Huye have never recorded a lose.
Henry Mwinuka. REG BBC’s Head Coach.
In men’s category, basketball fans are excited to see if REG coach Henry Mwinuka, who won last year’s trophy with the Patriots, can give REG their second league title. Last season, the Patriots with Coach Mwinuka came from down 3-1 and won the league title 3-4 in the playoffs. This prompted REG to immediately acquire the services of coach Henry Mwinuka. Moreover, the former KIU Titans and Patriots coach has three league titles in the last 4 seasons.
Coach Mutokambali determined to lead The Hoops to their first title at The BKBNL Tournament.
After group stages played in a round-robin format, apparently to a greater extent all side now have an understanding of each opponent’s strength and weaknesses. To this, they will forge a strategy to proceed to the final stage of the contention.
For Coach Mutokambi Moise of The Hoops, a proper acquaintance has already been established for now chief rivals Rose Akon and Georgia Odhiambo. In a post-match interview after the match against APR BBC, Coach Mutoka spoke about the strategies he used to beat APR BBC and added that he would repeat what he did to defeat Ubumwe. The Hoops beat Ubumwe 83-67.
The semi-final is advantageous to The Hoops if they can defeat Ubumwe. Going Past Ubumwe in the semi-finals will mean that The Hoops have higher chances of claiming their first title.
Mutokambali said, “The group stage is over, the first two games were tough for us because we lacked team chemistry in the game since we had not played or been together for a while. We did not camp, we have to practice back home. It is not the same as the people who work twice a day and stay together like IPRCs, they stayed together in their educational institutions. That is why the first game was hard for us.”
“We tried to improve in the second game against Ubumwe and the tactics we ended the match with, gave us the momentum, courage and confidence for everyone. We had already corrected the defense and the rest was going to continue with the attack. That is why we tried to play fast breaks and counter-attacks against APR. It worked for us because since Dumi (Sandra Kantore) is not playing due to the injury, they have no point guard with the ability to organize and distribute the balls so much. We stopped Charlotte from scoring then we made a difference early just to rest our players and prepare for the next match.”
How they will be preparing for the match against Ubumwe in the semifinals
“We have to prepare as if it is our final because it will be a single-elimination game, knock out. we have to put in more effort than we had put in the previous encounter. They have great players like Akon and Georgia.”
He added “We will have to implement a strategy to stop them. Especially Rose Akon, in the game we played against Ubumwe was the game in which Akon scored few points. In the other matches, she scored above 20 but our game she scored 19 points. We have to prevent her to score over 20 points since our scorers are back on track. Cisse’s score is high now. It is a must-win game. We have to reach the finals.” Said Coach Mutokambali
Mutoka determined to lead BKBNL to their first time.
“There is hope because I think if we face RP-IPRC Huye again, we will be the favorite because we learned a lot from the loss. We played them with the feeling that we could easily win. However, they gave us a challenge. I hope next time the players will come to the court with zero mistakes.”
“They (IPRC Huye) are the ones who have to be on pressure, they have to keep their winning streak. In the first game we played against them, we made mistakes and got into the game late, that will never happen. When a team beats you in the group stage game, you probably have a better chance of defeating them in the final. We are ready even if it will not be easy. We want to win this trophy to make history, the Hoops Rwanda have no league title,” said Mutokambali.
The hoops Rwanda team, which is known for raising young girl players, has in recent years started competing on a high level and they are the title contenders. Even if they have not won the league, they started to collect some local trophies, like this year’s International Women’s day tournament.
Women’s Semi-finals
11:30 RP-IPRC Huye vs APR BBC
16:30 The Hoops Rwanda vs Ubumwe BBC
Muhadjili former APR FC forward now at AS Kigali | APR FC Vs AS Kigali in 2019
Debutant Muhadjili scores for his side AS Kigali in a friendly match against army giants APR FC.
Today Thursday, 22 October 2020, the very first competitive football match after a ban on sports was lifted in Rwanda was played in Shyorongi, Rulindo District at APR FC training grounds. It has been 7 months since we last glimpsed local football in the country.
The match that ended in a one-all tie, saw substitute Yves Mugunga who replaced Yannick Bizimana in the first half score for APR FC. Former APR FC forward, Muhadjili Hakizima scored his very first goal in the second half for new side AS Kigali from a freekick to bring them level in the match.
Unlike other matches of the preseason training phase where all teams try to use their entire squad, APR FC had some players missing out owing to illness like the new recruit Jacques Tuyisenge, left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe and midfielder Mohamed Mushimiyimana.
This match has been played behind closed doors Due to the guidelines meant to be followed.
It was the first friendly match for all the teams as they prepare for next year’s continental tournaments, where APR FC will represent Rwanda in the CAF Champions league and AS Kigali in the CAF Confederation Cup. The two teams will meet again on the pitch this Sunday, 25 October 2020 at Kigali Stadium, Nyamirambo.
APR FC Starting XI: Herithier Ahishakiye, Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Claude Niyomugabo, Olivier Niyonzima, Djabel Manishimwe, Keddy Nsanzimfura, Danny Usengimana, Yannick Bizimana and Lague Byiringiro.
Subs: Umar Rwabugiri, Bosco Ruboneka, Annicet Ishimwe, Dieudonne Nzotanga, Kevin Ishimwe, Yves Mugunga, Yunussu Nshimiyimana, Djuma Nizeyimana, Prince Buregeya and Christophe Bukuru.
AS Kigali Starting XI: Shamiru Bate, Michel Rusheshangoga, Latif Bishira, Emery Bayisenge, Christian Ishimwe, Rachid Kalisa, Eric Nsabimana, Fiston Nkinzingabo, Jean Bosco Kayitaba, Muhadjili Hakizimana and Sadi Abdallah.
Subs: Eric Ndayishimiye, Hassan Karera, Felix Ndekwe, Janvier Benedata, Jean Paul Ahoyikuye, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Mosse Rurangwa Hassan Rugirayabo and Rugero.
Courtesy Photo | Head Coach Together With Goalkeeping Coach Express FC
New Goalkeeping Coach Daniel Kiwanuka Sets New Target Ahead Of The Upcoming League Campaign At Express FC.
Wankulukuku based club Express FC yesterday Wednesday, 21st October 2020 announced Daniel Kiwanuka as the replacement, for now, former goalkeeping coach Sam Kawalya who left his duties after the doctor’s advice on health concerns. Kiwanuka is the new addition to the side’s technical team as they beef up for the forthcoming campaign.
“Express is one of the historical clubs in Uganda. So, I look for new challenges because I have done it all where I have been. So, I am looking forward to develop myself and also face new challenges. Football is a dynamic game so learning does not stop, it is continuous. So, I feel proud working with coach Bossa,” said Daniel Kiwanuka.
“My target is to teach, train and develop modern goalkeepers in this team and also to bring professional mentality in Express goalkeepers. First of all to teach them the basics of goalkeeping, positioning in goal, game reading and effective communication,” he added.
The goalkeeping coach also emphasized the importance of dominating the goalkeeper’s box, how goalkeepers need to manage the penalty area is crucial and also teach them how to play outfield as a goalkeeper.
“Dominating the box, that is the major thing,” he mentioned.
Express FC among other top-flight football clubs has been quite busy during this close to a year break from football with various new signings captured by coach Bossa and major overhauls in the technical team.
Club CEO Isaac Mweisgwa arrived replacing Mr Hamzah Jjunju who is now concentrating on futsal matters.
Club Strength and conditioning coach Madam Hellenic Butema
Madam Ankunda Pamela as public relations consultant.
Jonathan McKinstry Names Squad To Play Against South Sudan In 2021 AFCON Qualifier Double Header.
Uganda Cranes will play against South Sudan in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers that will take place on dates that will be announced between 9th and 17 November first in Kampala and later in Kenya, Nairobi.
Uganda and South Sudan were pitted in the same Group B as Burkina Faso and Malawi. Uganda stands at the top of the table with 4 points after playing 2 games, winning 1 and drawing the other. South Sudan is at the bottom with 0 points after 2 games.
Group B 2021 AFCON Qualifiers
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Jonathan McKinstry announced his squad today at a press held at FUFA House. The squad will consist of 26 players, 20 foreign-based players who have already been selected plus another 6 players who will be selected locally.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Uganda Cranes Squad
The selection was made based on player ability and the fact that they had been playing games prior despite the impacts COVID-19 on sports. This explains why there are more foreign-based players on the squad.
Coach Jonathan also explained that some players who were not present in the Dubai camp appeared on the list because the restrictions put in place by the governments where they play have been eased therefore allowing these players travel to Uganda and back to their teams with no difficulties.
The local-based players will be assessed from local clubs and announcements will be made early next month prior to the match.
On the side, South Sudan has called a 37 player squad including 10 Australia based players to face Uganda.
South Sudan Squad
Goalkeepers
Ramadan John Mayik (Malakia FC Juba South Sudan)
Robert Joseph (Al Salam Wau, South Sudan)
Michael Marko (Amarat United FC, South Sudan)
Majak Maling Mawith (Melbourne City, Australia)
Defenders
Peter Maker Manyang (Amarat United, South Sudan)
Mutwakil Abdelkarim (Atlabara FC Juba, South Sudan)
Rahan Angier (Munuki FC Juba, South Sudan)
Omot Sebit (Al Merrikh Juba, South Sudan)
Peter Nhial Wilson Deng (Heidelberg United, Australia)
Mathiang Matur (Brunswick City, Australia)
Godfrey Okello (Atlona City, Australia)
John Koul Chol (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya)
Ruon Tongyik (Central Coast Mariners, Australia)
Hasoon James Martin (Al Hilal Kadougli, Sudan)
Salah Abubakar (Al Salam, South Sudan)
Majok Bak Mathiang (Amarat FC, South Sudan).
Midfielders
Koang Thok Kerjok (Al Hilal Kadougli, Sudan)
Wani Ivan Adebo (Busoga United, Uganda)
Asad Musa Abdallah (AFC Leopards, Kenya)
Dominic Angelo (Munuki FC Juba, South Sudan)
Stephen Pawaar (Munuki FC, South Sudan)
Emmanuel Thomas Lumeri (Amarat United, South Sudan)
The Hoops' Micomyiza (with the ball) playing against Ubumwe of Akon (Blue t-shirt Number 11)
Stakes Are High As the BKBNL Women Head To Semi-Finals. Can Akon and Cisse Lead Their Teams As They Have Led The Charts So Far?
The final day of the group stages of the Bank of Kigali Basketball Women’s National League closing tournament ended on Tuesday. RP-IPRC Huye won all three of their group stage matches. This was not the case for APR BBC who did not win a single match.
Claude Muhirwa’s side, RP-IPRC Huye, beat stronger opponents Ubumwe in a well-deserved win 84-64. Team Captain Sandra Nelly, scored 24 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in the 35 minutes she played. Despite the loss suffered, Rose Akon continued to prove that she is impressively unstoppable after racking up 30 points with 14 rebounds in this match. The Hoops Rwanda finished their group stages on the high after hammering APR BBC 90-40. Cisse and Laurence scored 25 and 23 respectively while APR’s Captain Charlotte scored 16. will APR BBC comeback in the semi-finals to defend their title?
Rose Akon Of Ubumwe Preparing To Take A Free Throw
At the conclusion of the group stages, the statistics show that Rose Akon is ahead on the charts in baskets, rebounds and blocks whereas Micomyiza Rosine “Cisse” played the most minutes and shares the same number of assists as Ubumwe’s Georgia Otieno.
Some Notable Player Statistics 1st -Blue 2nd-Green 3rd-Yellow
Even If COVID-19 impacts have proven distressing to sports this year, the Basketball league has registered its highest prize money ever. At the occasion of announcing the new sponsorship deal with Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Basketball Federation, (FERWABA) declared that the income generated from ticket sales will financially contribute support worth 5 million Rwanda Francs to both men and women teams representing Rwanda in the regional and continental competitions as adopted in the General Assembly.
This will be an addition to the prize money where Bank of Kigali awards the teams as follows:
winner 2M RWF
1st runner up 1,5M RWF
2nd runner up 1M RWF
3rd runner up 800 000 RWF
Last season’s trophy was won by APR BBC who also finished 4th in Zone 5 games behind Uganda’s JKL Dolphins (crowned champions) and Kenya’s Equity and KPA.
Express FC In A Team Overhaul As They Prepare For The New 2020/2021 Season.
Express FC has made drastic changes in both managerial and playing staff positions. Mr Chairman Kilyowa Kiwanuka appointed Coach Waswa Bbosa back at Wankulukuku stadium mid last season. And this has followed with a series of new positions being created and appointing new faces in the game.
Club CEO Isaac Mweisgwa arrived replacing Mr Hamzah Jjunju who is now concentrating on futsal matters.
Club Strength and conditioning coach Madam Hellenic Butema has arrived formerly with the Rugby Cranes.
Madam Ankunda Pamela as public relations consultant.
Mr Ainebyona Lewis as a performance analyst.
Strength and conditioning coach is Hellen Buteme.
Coach Waswa Bbosa has captured many players in the transfer market as Express Fc continue to prepare for 2020/2021 new season. He’s appointed new club Captains.
1st choice Club captain is Enock Walusimbi
The assistant captain is Experienced shot-stopper Mathias Muwanga.
3rd captain is young star Desmond Kaneene who’s been promoted from Express Fc junior team.
After unveiling former SC Simba and Wydad Casablanca experienced Uganda cranes defender Murishid Jjuko. Express FC gave players new squad numbers for 2020/2021 new season.
REG BBC’s Beleck Surpasses As They Excel Against IPRC Kigali In Their Tournament Opener.
Following that, all the other teams played on the first day of the return of competitive basketball in Rwanda, fans were eager to see how REG BBC and UGB would stand out.
United Generation Basketball (UGB) at the expense of RP-IPRC Musanze, recorded their first win of the tournament 77-54 on matchday 2. As for the Musanze based side, chances to proceed to the semi-finals have been diminished after they lost yet another match. UGB’s Glindas Balou was the highlight of the game after he helped his side add 18 points to their tally.
In the second men’s match of the day, IPRC Huye led by Charles Mushumba made a comeback to defeat Espoir BBC with 2 points basket difference. Espoir led in 3 quarters of the game but unfortunately, tables turned in favour of IPRC Huye in the last quarter when the gained momentum closing the 10 point gap Espoir was maintaining. Eric Muhayumukiza ended the match in style with a dunk to secure the first victory for his team 65-63. Espoir continues to suffer loses owing to minor squad problems characterized by last-minute fatigue.
In the final match of the day between REG BBC and IPRC Kigali, Rwanda Energy Group Team featured new faces like young Noah Bigirumwami from the USA and Somali point guard Aden Faisal Jama and the latter caused problems for IPRC Kigali. Faisal studied and played for a long while in the USA and he also featured in Kenyan side KPA in BAL last year.
REG’s Beleck Bell was unstoppable in this game, scoring the highest points, 35. With 5 three pointers and he missed only one free throw in 9 taken. Saidi Amiss was favourite for IPRC Kigali scoring 23 points, made 9 rebounds and 3 assists.
REG BBC’s Beleck Bell statistics against RP-IPRC Kigali
After the match, IPRC Kigali head coach, John Bahufite said they suffered from the REG duo, Beleck and Faisal. He added, “There was a problem today, we had 2 centers but in the third quarter, one of them reached 4 fouls and we benched him and that’s where the difference come from.
After the match, IPRC Kigali head coach, John Bahufite said his side suffered at the cost of REG duo, Beleck and Faisal. He added, “There was a problem today, we had 2 centers but in the third quarter, one of them reached 4 fouls and we benched him and that’s where the difference came from.”
He continued, “REG has 2 players, Faisal and Beleck who made the difference in this game and the fact that defensively we were poor because we used one center.”
APR BBC's Charlotte and Ubumwe's Rose Akon on the jump ball
Akon Elevated Ubumwe BBC To A Victory Against APR BBC In Matchday 1
There is no question Akon Rose Paul Macuei made the biggest difference at her side’s opener against opponents APR BBC. Ubumwe BBC can reap the fruits of a decision made to bring her on early in the tournament.
The name Akon Rose Paul Macuei was all over the stats charts.
Rose Akon blocking APR’s Iradukunda. She made 8 blocks in the game.
Points 37
Rebounds 26
Assists 4
Blocks 8
Ubumwe BBC was using the same players on the court with little support from the bench. It was shocking to see that there were no bench points at the end of regular time. This team used the individual new Forward Akon Rose Paul Macuei who really made a difference. Through her, the team scored 27 points from turnovers.
1st Q: Ubumwe BBC 17-13 APR BBC
2nd Q: Ubumwe BBC 17-16 APR BBC
3rd Q: Ubumwe BBC 15-17 APR BBC
4th Q: Ubumwe BBC 14-17 APR BBC
OT: Ubumwe BBC 11-07 APR BBC
FT: Ubumwe BBC 74-70 APR BBC
It was a tough encounter for the APR ladies as Ubumwe had the lead in 3 quarters. APR BBC managed a comeback to force the game to proceed to overtime.
It was clear that APR would suffer at the end of the game because there was little bench support and in addition to that, they risked by committing numerous fouls. Four minutes to the end of the 4th quarter, APR BBC was leading 55-52 when Captain Charlotte Umugwaneza had to be disqualified after she exhausted her limit on fouls. A minute later, another Center, Assouma Uwizeye also fouled out.
APR BBC Women’s Captain Charlotte Umugwaneza. She scored 24 points, made 21 rebounds and 3 assists before the ejection
Ubumwe Head coach reacted to this crucial win saying, “The game was hard for us because APR is our rival so we are happy that the victory is on our side. It gives us the momentum to win our next games.”
When asked about Rose Akon’s performance, and why they did not rest her during the game, Coach Esperance MUKANEZA praised her (Akon) performance. In addition, “Rose Akon played many minutes because we were lucky that the APR tall players were fouled out too early, we have to gain from her height and make them foul and we achieved it. We have won the game.”
In his reactions, APR Head Coach, Charles Mbazumutima said, “Yeah. We have lost the game. The problem we had was that we have injuries like Dumi (Sandra Kantore), a good player but she has been out of action for some time. There is another player, Umuhoza (Jordan) she has injury too and there are other absentees, who are not here for work reasons.”
“Secondly, my Centers, Charlotte and Assouma who fouled out (5 fouls) early. Therefore, that was the reason why we lost this match because if they stayed, they would face that South Sudanese (Rose Akon) who also had many fouls. In the last minutes, we used the same players because we had an inadequate squad. The players, who can score, had already been excluded from the match because of fouls.”
Asked if it is possible to defend the trophy, coach Mbazumutima said, “It is not easy because we have a small squad. Nevertheless, when you are in the tournament, you have to be determined to compete and we will compete to see if we can defend the trophy we won last year.”
“The other teams are strong, they boosted their squad by adding other players, which I think is another reason we are suffering. We do not recruit foreigners. However, RP-IPRC Huye is on top. The information we have is that they may have had enough time to train. For me, they are favourite to win this tournament,” he added.
Elsewhere, Nicole Rwibutso scored 20 points and made 16 rebounds to help RP-IPRC Huye seal a victory against The Hoops. On the other hand, Feza Ebengo scored the highest points (18) for Micomyiza Rosine “Cisse” and Zainah Lokwameri’s side, The Hoops Rwanda.
1st Q: RP-IPRC Huye 23-18 The Hoops
2nd Q: RP-IPRC Huye 18-11 The Hoops
3rd Q: RP-IPRC Huye 09-17 The Hoops
4th Q: RP-IPRC Huye 23-11 The Hoops
And FT: RP-IPRC Huye 73-57 The Hoops
Today, APR will play against RP-IPRC Huye and The Hoops against Ubumwe BBC. How will Akon Rose Paul Macuei perform today given her outstanding performance yesterday?
