PATRIOTS have turned attention to the Play-off Games after defeating REG to win the Star Times Basketball National League on Friday night at Amahoro indoor stadium. Henry Mwinuke’s side claimed their second championship despite losing their last league game, 57-64, to rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in a fully packed Amahoro indoor stadium. By winning the league, the champions were also given a Rwf1.5million cash prize while first runners-up REG walked away with Rwf1million. Patriots captain Aristide Mugabe hailed his teammates for yet another triumphant season before challenging them to remain in competition mood until the end of the 2017/2018 campaign. “We are excited to be champions again, it has been a very long trip. All the players gave it their best to realize this day and I can only say I am happy and proud of everyone on the team. However, there is no room to relax, the season is not over yet.” The national basketball team captain noted that there is still the Genocide Memorial Tournament and the Play-off Games to play this season, and their target is to complete that treble. This is Mugabe’s sixth league title after leading former club Espoir to four consecutive titles and Patriots to the 2016 championship. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
