The belief that “everything is possible,” a spirit often associated with the late Rwandan basketball prospect Kenrick Kabano, was echoed on Friday, June 26, at Zaria Court during a 3x3 memorial tournament held in his honour and that of his mother, Rosine Kabano, both of whom died in a tragic road accident in Texas. The event brought together young athletes to celebrate their legacy and the values they inspired, both on and off the court. The tournament was organised by Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWAFA) in collaboration with the Kabano family, under the theme “A son’s dream. A mother’s love. A legacy that lives forever.” ALSO READ: Kenrik Kabano: The meteoric rise of the Rwandan basketball prospect It featured 16 teams including 10 in boys’ category and six in the girls’ category. ALSO READ: Basketball family mourns young talent Kenrik Kabano Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire and Kenrik’s father Mike Kabano were among attendees at the event. Beyond competition, the function served as a moment of reflection on Kenrick’s promising basketball journey and the role his mother, Rosine, played in supporting his development. Rwanda youth team coach Patrick Habiyaremye, who gave Kabano his first call-up to U16 national team, recalled the late player’s fearless mindset and competitive spirit. “Everything was possible to him,” he said, reflecting on Kabano’s courage during the 2023 FIBA Africa U16 Boys’ Championship, including the clash against Egypt. “He liked change and adversity. I remember when we faced Egypt — one of the toughest opponents and a powerhouse — but for him it was different. That spirit is what he left with us,” Habiyaremye added. Former U16 captain and Kenrik’s former teammate Sean Mwesigwa, who is currently with the senior national team preparing for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, also reflected on what the memorial meant to him. “This speaks volumes about the kind of people Auntie Rosine and Kenrick were. They brought people together. Even though moments like this are painful, it is beautiful that we can still find joy and come together as a community to honour these beautiful people.” Kenrick’s father, Mike Kabano, explained that the tournament carries a message beyond basketball, emphasizing the importance of parental support in nurturing young talent while balancing education and sport. “Kenrick would not be who he was without his mother. What they built as a family inspired me to share that spirit with the wider basketball community,” he said. “We have formed a foundation that will help young talents like him access opportunities, but also promote the idea that sport should go hand in hand with education.” On the court, Elite Rwanda claimed the boys’ 3x3 gold medal after defeating Intare, while Lycée de Kigali triumphed in the girls’ category, beating Saint Bernadette Kamonyi. ALSO READ: Kenrik Kabano car tragedy: His last words, unfulfilled dreams Who was Kenrick Kabano? Born in Ohio in 2008, Kabano was a student in the United States and was nearing graduation at the time of his passing. He represented Rwanda at junior level and was among the standout performers for the national U16 team at the 2023 FIBA Africa Under-16 Boys’ Championship. He was also reportedly among the players being considered for Rwanda’s U18 Afrobasket qualifiers squad. During the 2023 continental tournament, Kabano — wearing jersey number 13 — delivered several standout performances, including a game-high 21 points against Egypt in the quarterfinals.
