Basketball: Titans make two major signings ahead of new season
Sunday, January 08, 2023
American point guard William Kiah Perry (R), poses with Eugene Rubonera, the President of Kigali Titans BBC after signing for the club.

Basketball topflight newcomers Kigali Titans have added American point guard William Kiah Perry and Nigerian forward Francis Azolibe Chijioke to their ranks as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming 2022/2023 season.

Perry last played for Mozambican side, Ferroviário da Beira, while Azolibe featured for Ugandan Powerhouse City Oilers.

Titans president Eugene Rubonera confirmed the new signings to Times Sport on Sunday, January 8, noting that the duo inked a one-year deal each.

"The two will feature for us this coming season. We believe the new additions will add strength and quality to the team,” Rubonera said in an interview.

Perry, 29, has previously played for Lenoir-Rhyne College in his native USA, Ovarense Dolce Vita in Portugal and Akademic Bultex in Bulgaria among others.

His continental experience at the Basketball African League (BAL) 2022 with Ferroviario da Beira may be an important asset for him as he starts his journey of playing in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL).

Azolibe, meanwhile, is a 24-year-old power forward who can also play as a center.

Born in Nigeria, the 2.06m man also boasts continental experience as he recently played for City Oilers in the BAL qualifiers.

Nigerian forward, Francis Azolibe Chijioke (R) and Eugene Rubonera, President of Kigali Titans after signing the deal as a new player for the club.

The Titans were promoted to the topflight league last year after topping the 2021/22 second division basketball league.

The newcomers will start their league campaign ahead of their clash against local powerhouse Patriots on January 13, at IPRC-Kigali court.