The third edition of the Rwanda Cup features just three teams—APR, REG and RSSB Tigers—a significant decline from previous editions. The drop in participation follows a change in the tournament’s regulations, which now limit entry to Division One teams. The first two editions also featured clubs from lower divisions. Club administrators who spoke to Times Sport said several clubs had raised concerns about scheduling tournaments after the season, when players may be on leave or their contracts may have expired, making it difficult for teams to assemble full squads. In response to concerns over the low turnout, Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) Executive Director François-Régis Gahuranyi explained the changes and the factors behind the reduced participation. “Previously, the Rwanda Cup involved teams from both Division One and Division Two, but the General Assembly decided that, going forward, only Division One teams would be eligible. Although these are the teams currently registered, the total number of participants has dropped significantly,” he said. Gahuranyi also attributed the low turnout to changes in the basketball calendar caused by international competitions involving the national team and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). These commitments disrupted the domestic schedule, pushing the Rwanda Cup to the end of the season, after other competitions had concluded. He added that the tournament would return to its previous schedule next year, with matches played during the league season.
