Two Rwandan basketball prospects —Brigitte Nibishaka and Rebecca Cyuzuzo—left for France on Tuesday, January 28, after receiving full scholarships to continue their basketball career development at the prestigious Tango Bourges Basket (TBB) Academy. Their scholarships are part of a partnership between local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) and TBB aimed at strengthening basketball development in Rwanda. The initiative focuses on capacity building, integrating academic and athletic pathways, and enhancing national team development. TBB, a club with a rich history in elite basketball competitions, is known for nurturing talent. It made history by becoming the first French team to win a FIBA women’s competition, claiming the 1995 Ronchetti Cup. ALSO READ: Basketball U-18 players Nibishaka, Cyuzuzo off to France Speaking to Weekend Sport, Ferwaba technical director Moise Mutokambali discussed the significance of the scholarship opportunity, referring to it as a big step for the young women basketball players and Ferwaba at large. “In the past, our players would always go to the USA for scholarships, but now we are opening new doors in France. The French have a good basketball foundation, and it’s great that our young talents will benefit from this,” Mutokambali said. He added that there are many competitions and professional basketball in Europe and it gives opportunities for players. Jimmy Gihana, a basketball coach at Lycée de Kigali—one of the schools that has seen its players benefit from basketball scholarships to the USA—also weighed in on the importance of international opportunities offered to not only the players but also the coaches. “For us coaches, it boosts our confidence because we’ve raised these players to a level where they’re recognized by foreign schools. It’s also encouraging for the students themselves, as it motivates them to work harder when they see their peers getting such opportunities abroad.” Several Rwandan players have already gone on to play in the United States, including Hope Butera, Joyeuse Ineza, Bella Murekatete, and Osborne Shema, who are now key players for the national basketball teams. ALSO READ: Rwandan duo lands basketball scholarships to France Reflecting on the scholarships recently offered to Nibishaka and Cyuzuzo, national teams (men and women) head coach Cheikh Sarr, pointed out that, while he wasn't directly involved in the process regarding the duo’s selection, playing abroad, especially in a basketball nation like Paris 2024 Olympics finalists France, can significantly enhance a player's skills and understanding of the game. “Exposure to different coaching styles, competitive environments, allows players to grow both on and off the court,” Sarr said. “It also helps them adapt to various playing conditions and strategies, which is crucial for their development. Such experiences can help our girls to gain a sense of independence and resilience. These qualities are essential for any athlete aiming to reach higher levels in their careers.” “In general, international opportunities can be a vital stepping stone for players, enabling them to elevate their game and pursue their aspirations more effectively,” he added.
