Rwandan center Hope Butera has joined Rwanda Energy Group (REG) as club prepares for strong return to Rwanda Women's Basketball League whose regular season is few games away from conclusion.

Times Sport can confirm that Butera is currently in Kigali, training with the team and waiting for some paperwork from world basketball governing body (FIBA) before she can officially play in the league.

Standing at approximately 1.90m, Butera is described as a two-way player, effective on both the defensive and offensive ends of the court.

She most recently played for Spain’s CAB Estepona which she joined in July 2024.

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The 24-year-old has garnered several accolades in her professional career, thanks, in large part, to her mobility, ability to attack the rim, and shooting from mid-range or beyond the arc.

Butera made her debut with the Rwandan women's senior national team in 2019 and has not missed an international call-up since.

Besides playing for the senior national team, Butera also previously featured for junior national teams. For example, in 2016, she was part of Rwanda’s U18 team that finished fourth in the FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship.

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Currently, REG lead the league table with 34 points. APR come close in second place with 32 points, while Kepler sit third with 29 points.

Standings

REG – 34 points

APR – 32 points

Kepler – 29 points

The Hoops – 25 points

IPRC-Huye – 23 points

East Africa University Rwanda – 23 points

Azomco – 23 points

Groupe Scolaire Marie Reine Rwaza – 21 points

GS Gahini – 16 points

UR – 16 points

UR Kigali – 16 points.