Friday

IPRC-Kigali     Vs      APR        18:00

REG                  Vs      Espoir    20:00

It will be a clash of former champions on Friday night as Rwanda Energy Group (REG) begin the 2018-19 Bank of Kigali National Basketball League season against Espoir at Amahoro Indoor Stadium. Kick-off 8pm.

REG beat Espoir 80-64 a fortnight ago to retain the preseason tournament’s title.

While Nyamirambo-based Espoir started the new campaign with a comfortable 93-60 win over United Generation Basketball (UGB) last Friday, REG will be looking to remain on top after beating IPRC- South 75-62 and Rusizi 87-56 last weekend.

In an interview with Times Sport, REG head coach Patrick Ngwijuruvugo urged his players to stay put and make no mistake when they take on Espoir.

"Espoir is a tricky opponent, it would be very dangerous to underestimate them. We should aim to take early lead and fight to hold control of the game till the final whistle. That’s the sure way to handle them.”

Last season, Espoir stunned REG 100-73 as youngster Armel Sangwe posted a career high 35 points.

Elsewhere on Friday, Albert Buhake’s will be up against eight-time champions APR. The game will start at 6pm – same venue.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw