After four years at local basketball giants, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), power forward Elia Kaje recently moved to APR Basketball Club, an outfit that is not as competitive as his former team. Kaje captained REG as they won two consecutive league trophies in 2021 and 2022. He was part of the squad that represented the team at the previous edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) where REG reached the quarterfinals. However, his story with the club was cut short recently when he decided to move on. Times Sport caught up with Kaje and asked him about why he took the decision to leave REG, what he brings to APR, and the targets he has for the future. The excerpts: You spent four years playing for REG. What can you say about that period? During the four years I spent at REG, I worked together with my fellow players to win two league trophies. In 2021 I was handed the responsibilities of captaining the team. I am grateful to the management of the club and the players with whom we worked together during the time I spent at the club. You recently left the club. Did you feel it was really the right time to leave? When I was at REG, I was part of the squad that went to the BAL. However, I did not get playing time at the tournament and that is why I did not think twice about leaving the club. Though the team is returning to the BAL (next year), I realised that there is a possibility of not getting playing time again. Also, I noticed that REG is moving at such a speed where it is possible that certain players will be forgotten in the next two or three years. I am not ready to be forgotten within that time. I wanted to go to a team where I can get enough time to play at a good level, and that is why I took that decision. What are some of the most unforgettable moments you had at REG? I can never forget when we lost to Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in the quarterfinals of the BAL in Kigali. It was very disappointing to lose at home. That is one of the things I cannot forget. One of the things that made me happy at REG was last year when we won the league title after beating the Patriots. REG had taken a long time without a league title. Also, I had good times this year during the playoffs finals, in the third game when we were playing against the Patriots. We went into overtime but managed to win. These are some of the things I cannot forget when I was at the club. Doesn’t leaving REG cut short your chances of playing at the BAL? It is all in the hands of REG. What I can say is that I played this whole year, wanting to go to the BAL. The effort was even noticeable on the court. The playoffs took place during the period when I was preparing for my wedding, but I managed to work hard with my fellow players and we won the trophy. For me, to return to the BAL next year is REG’s decision to take. I am available if they need me, no problem. Why did you choose APR? Often, when you leave one team to go to another, you should consider factors like: the availability of playing time at the new club, the management of the new club, and the players that you are going to meet there. I am familiar with many APR players and there is confidence that if we work hard we can take the trophy. What qualities are you bringing to APR? I and many players in my generation grew up seeing APR winning trophies and we wished to play for the club. For me, I have a debt to pay to the club. I want it to come back among the teams that win trophies. I am going to give my all so that there will be good results.
