Friday

Women The Hoops Vs APR - 18:00

Men Patriots Vs REG - 20:00

It will be a clash of egos when champions APR and archrivals The Hoops Rwanda face off in the women’s final of the inaugural Agaciro Basketball Tournament on Friday.

The game gets underway at 6pm, at the Kigali Arena.

The Hoops look to return the favour after APR edged them 4-2 in the playoffs finals to clinch the 2018/2019 BK Basketball National League in September.

Moise Mutokambali’s Hoops reached the final last weekend after beating 73-67 IPRC-South in the semi-finals, while Charles Mbabazumutima’s APR ousted Ubumwe 53-34 to book their final slot.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, Mutokambali warned that his side will go into the final with ‘strong intent’ to crown the year 2019 on a high.

"We want to end the year on a high, and we are going to do everything possible to win this title,” insisted Mutokambali. "I have spoken with my players and urged them to show strong intent from opening whistle.”

In a separate interview, APR coach Mbazumutima said that "The Agaciro final will not be a copy-paste of the playoff finals,” and admitted that he expected a strong challenge from the revenge-inspired Hoops.

Patriots, REG renew rivalry

In the meantime, there will be no love lost when Patriots and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) go head-to-head in the men’s final. Kick-off 8pm, same venue.

Since the inauguration of Kigali Arena in August, Patriots have beaten REG four times in the state-of-the-art facility. REG are yet to taste how a victory feels at Kigali Arena.

REG have since signed former Patriots head coach, Henry Mwinuka, while the latter are now under the tutelage of Kenyan tactician Francis Odhiambo.

The winners, in both men’s and women’s categories, will pocket Rwf2 million, while the runners-up walk away with Rwf500, 000.

The tournament is organised by Rwanda Basketball Federation in partnership with Agaciro Development Fund, the country’s sovereign wealth fund.