Rwandan basketball youngster Kenrik Kabano, 18, and his mother, Rosine Kabano, have tragically died following a car accident in the United States.
The incident occurred on Monday evening in Texas, though full details surrounding the crash have not yet been revealed.
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Family members and friends, including his father Mike Kabano, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
"To my friends and family, Rosine has been called by the Lord, along with our firstborn son, Kenrik. My wife and son&039;s light will live on in our hearts forever. Please pray for us! (with love, Kelia, Kai, Mike & family),” Mike wrote in a post.
Born in Ohio in 2008, Kabano was a student in the United States and was nearing graduation. He had represented Rwanda at junior level and was among the standout performers for the national U16 team at the 2023 FIBA Africa Under-16 Boys’ Championship.
He was also reportedly among the players being considered for selection to Rwanda’s squad for the upcoming U18 Afrobasket qualifiers.
During the 2023 continental tournament, Kabano—wearing jersey number 13—delivered several impressive performances, including a game-high 21 points against Egypt in the quarterfinals.
His sister, Kellia Kabano, is a tennis player.