Moise Mutokambali, the head coach of women’s basketball league side the Hoops Rwanda, has urged his players to aim for maximum points in the remaining fixtures as he looks to guide the team to their first championship this season.
The 2019/2020 BK Basketball National League will restart early September, nearly six months since the last game was played on March 14.
Like all sports events and competitions in the country, the basketball league was halted in March as the government enforced strict social distancing to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Hoops finished second last season after falling to champions APR 4-2 in the best-of-seven playoffs finals.
In an interview with Times Sport, Mutokambali challenged his youthful side to take one step better this season and stressed that he believed his "players have all that it takes bounce back from last year’s nightmare finals.”
"The [Covid-19] pandemic has disrupted sport in general, we all have been affected,” said Mutokambali. "But, my players never stopped training. They had a daily schedule for individual training at home and I regularly follow up with them and their fitness level.”
He added: "I plan to set up a special team for the restoration of players’ fitness and team game.”
After four games, the Hoops have won three and lost once – to former champions IPRC-South.
The 2019-20 women basketball league comprises six teams; APR, The Hoops, Ubumwe, IPRC-South, CMR-Rwaza and UR–Huye.
The Hoops player, Faustine Mwizerwa (with the ball), is seen here during a past league against reigning champions APR at Amahoro Indoor Stadium, in Remera, Kigali. / File
The Hoops squad
Rosine Miconyiza (captain), Laurence Imanizabayo, Faustine Mwizerwa, Nadine Rutagengwa, Deborah Iryimanivuze, Emerance Muhoza, Better Mutoni, Francine Bahati, Philomene Mukantwari, Stella Ineza Ndahiro, Aimee Franky Igihozo and Patience Butera.
Others are; Faith Butera, Ramla Munezero, Hope Nyiramugisha, Leah Mutarutwa, Lydia Uwimana Kamerewe, Feza Ebengo, Joyeuse Sifa Ineza and Elsa Niyonkuru.