The year 2023 witnessed noteworthy accomplishments in Rwandan basketball, both at club and national levels. With investments from both private and public sectors, the sport has continued to tremendously grow its fanbase.
From APR ending their 14-year title jinx to Rwanda hosting the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the third time in a row, Weekend Sport suggests major highlights that stood out in basketball in Rwanda throughout the past 12 months.
Hosting the BAL for the third time
Kigali hosted the third edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) dating from May 21-27 at the BK Arena.
Zamalek and US Monastir had won the first two editions before the 2023 contest ended in favor of Egyptian giants Al Ahly as champions following a convincing 80-65 victory over Senegal’s AS Douanes.
APR end 14-year title jinx
APR men's basketball club had not won the national league championship since 2009 until American coach Mazen Trakh inspired the army side to the 2023 championship with a clean sweep over Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the finals.
ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Basketball: APR clinch first championship in 14 years
The championship not only brought their 14-year title drought to an end but it also earned them a coveted spot in the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Mugwaneza to the FIBA table of honor
Pascale Mugwaneza, a distinguished Rwandan basketball official and the current first vice-president of the Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba), is the latest Rwandan basketball executive to join the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)’s Central Board, representing Africa.
Elected during the FIBA 2023 Congress in Manila, Philippines, Mugwaneza is now among 13 new members serving a four-year term from 2023 to 2027.
Successful FIBA Women Afrobasket 2023
In July, Rwanda hosted the FIBA Women Afrobasket 2023, a premier women’s basketball continental championship for African nations.
ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Women’s Afrobasket: Rwanda ousts Uganda, storms to semis
The competition, held at BK Arena from July 28 to August 5, saw basketball enthusiasts witnessing the best basketball from Africa’s finest women basketball players.
Nigeria were again champions for the fourth time in a row after beating Senegal 84-74 in the final.
Giants of Africa Festival illuminates Kigali
2023 was that year when the Giants of Africa Festival 2023 marked its 20th anniversary in Kigali.
The week-long celebration successfully brought together 250 youths from 16 African countries, engaging in sports, entertainment, and cultural activities.
Featuring prominent African music artists such as Davido, Tiwa Savage, Diamond Platnumz, Tyla, and Rwanda’s own Bruce Melodie, the festival was a memorable cultural extravaganza.
Debutants REG shine at inaugural AWBL
Representing Rwanda, REG secured the fourth position in the 2023 FIBA African Women Basketball League (AWBL). Not bad for a team which was making its debut in an African basketball competition.
Despite falling short of the bronze medal with an 83-68 loss to Angolan giants Inter Clube on December 19 at Alexandria court, their participation marked a significant achievement.
Infrastructure boost
It was also a year that witnessed growth in infrastructure development, with more basketball courts coming into place as part of efforts to expand the sport’s community.
In May, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame inaugurated the Kimironko shortball. Situated in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo district. The 500-seater facility is a testament to collaborative efforts between the local basketball governing body (FERWABA), BAL, Imbuto Foundation, and the Ministry of Sports in promoting basketball.
Kimironko-based court’s unveiling came just three months after Lycée de Kigali got a revamped gymnasium.
The state-of-the-art facility, which boasts a seating capacity of 1500, was constructed through a partnership between NBA Africa and FERWABA.LDK Gymnasium has since been hosting a number of basketball competitions, domestic and regional, with the FIBA Zone V club qualifiers being the most recent to take place at the place.