Fireworks to light up Kigali for RSSB Tigers’ BAL triumph
Saturday, June 13, 2026
A previous fireworks show at the KCC in 2024. The venue is set to display another fireworks show on Saturday in celebration of the RSSB Tigers' BAL triumph.

A fireworks display will light up the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) on Saturday, June 13, at 11 p.m. as part of celebrations marking RSSB Tigers’ historic Basketball Africa League (BAL) triumph.

The Tigers became the first Rwandan club to win the BAL title after edging Angola’s Petro de Luanda 90-88 in a thrilling final at BK Arena on May 31.

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Two weeks later, the team is holding a trophy parade through Kigali, with the fireworks show among the activities planned to celebrate the achievement.

In a communiqué issued on Saturday, the City of Kigali informed residents about the display.

"The City of Kigali informs the general public that a fireworks display will take place today, 13 June 2026, at 11:00 p.m. at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) to celebrate RSSB Tigers&039; BAL Championship victory," the statement read.

Since the BAL was launched in 2021, Rwanda had been represented by Patriots BBC, REG and APR, but none had reached the final. Patriots finished fourth in the inaugural edition, REG placed eighth in 2022 and fifth in 2023, while APR finished third in 2025 after missing the playoffs in 2024.

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Unlike their predecessors, RSSB Tigers went all the way to claim the title. Their participation itself was unexpected, coming after APR withdrew from the BAL despite qualifying as Rwanda Basketball League champions. The Tigers took the slot as winners of the 2025 Rwandan Cup and 2026 National Super Cup, learning of their participation only about three weeks before the tournament began.

Following their BAL success, the Tigers will represent Africa at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Beijing, China, in September.

The intercontinental competition brings together champion clubs from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, alongside a representative from the NBA G League, to determine the world's top club team.