APR BBC stars Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo have broken their silence over decision by Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) to suspend them for one year for failure to play for the national team, describing the sanctions as the result of a "huge misunderstanding."

FERWABA suspended the two players on June 22 from all basketball activities for one year for allegedly failing to honour a national team call-up for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, which kicked off in Luanda, Angola, on Thursday, July 2, despite APR confirming their availability.

The sanction followed resolutions adopted during the federation&039;s November 2025 General Assembly requiring every player selected for national duty to honour official call-ups or face disciplinary action. The resolutions came after both players missed the November 2025 qualifying window in Tunisia, with Habimana citing personal reasons and Mpoyo sidelined by injury.

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Speaking publicly for the first time since the suspension, the pair said they were stunned because they had already reported to the national team camp when the federation sanctioned them.

"I didn't refuse, and I didn't say no. I'm just here to say it's not just, it's not fair. We never declined anything from the national team," Habimana said.

"An hour before they sent the sanction, we were at practice, talking to the coach and the staff. We were present, so being surprised is really an understatement."

If the suspension stands, Habimana and Mpoyo will miss the upcoming Rwanda Basketball League playoffs.

APR head coach James Maye Jr described the absence of two of his key players as a major blow.

"Missing two key players is a huge detriment—not only to APR but to the country as well. Hopefully the issue can be resolved amicably."

'We're not playing for money'

The players also addressed reports that discussions over compensation influenced the dispute.

Mpoyo confirmed that financial compensation was discussed with FERWABA but insisted it was never a condition for representing Rwanda.

"It was a discussion, not a refusal, ultimatum or demand. They made an offer, but the conversation never continued," he said.

Habimana added that he simply made a counter-offer after receiving the federation's proposal.

"They gave me an offer; I gave them a counter-offer."

Both players stressed that representing Rwanda has never been about money.

"We're professional basketball players, so compensation naturally comes up in discussions," Mpoyo said. "But it's never the main factor."

Habimana echoed the sentiment.

"We're playing for the badge and for our country. But that doesn't mean players shouldn't be compensated for their time and effort."

With a meeting between APR and FERWABA scheduled for July 8, both Habimana and Mpoyo say they remain hopeful that dialogue will clear what they insist was a misunderstanding and pave the way for their return to the court.