As the 2025 season of the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) tips off on Friday, January 24, several clubs have made late signings in the final days, aiming to strengthen their squads. Different clubs are going into the new season with different targets ranging from challenging for the trophy to seeking a playoff berth or fighting to avoid relegation. Regardless of the targets they have, here are how some teams made transfer business in the last two to three days leading up to the league tip off. Jean-Jacques Boissy to Rwanda Energy Group (REG) On the night of Wednesday, January 21, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) announced the signing of Jean-Jacques Boissy, a talented Senegalese point guard, just two days before the new season’s tip off. ALSO READ: Basketball: What to know as Ferwaba releases 2025 season fixtures The 24-year-old recently played for Burundi’s Urunani and has also represented his national team. At REG, he joins other recent signings, including Nigerian center Francis Azolibe, Rwandan forward Emile Galois Kazeneza, and guard Espoir Aganze. Pitchou Manga to Tigers Congolese player Pitchou Manga joined Tigers Basketball Club on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 season. Manga reunites with his former coach, Henry Mwinuka, with whom he previously worked at REG in 2022. The center has been a standout player in the league for the past three years, known for his size, presence in the paint, defensive skills, and solid offensive contributions. Doumbya Mohamed to United Generation Basketball (UGB) UGB strengthened their roster with the addition of 27-year-old Senegalese big man Doumbya Mohamed, who joins from Urunani BBC. In a statement, UGB expressed that Mohamed’s experience will enhance their competitive spirit and provide valuable leadership to their young and talented squad. Patrick Nshizirungu to REG REG made another late addition, signing 25-year-old Rwandan shooting guard Patrick Nshizirungu from Tigers Basketball Club. Nshizirungu, was previously named the best three-point scorer while at Tigers in 2023. David Nickelberry and Anthony Tsegakele to Tigers Tigers Basketball Club also made more trades, announcing the signing of two key players on Wednesday. David Nickelberry, a 6'7 swingman from Orlando, USA, most recently played for Gladiadores de Anzoátegui in Venezuela’s SPB. Anthony Tsegakele, a 6'6 small forward from Gatineau, Canada, also joined Tigers from the Saskatchewan Rattlers in Canada. Honore Shyengo to Orion Shooting guard Elite Honore Shyengo, 24, crossed over from UGB to Orion ahead of the 2025 league season. Shyengo signed a two-year deal with Orion.
