Rwanda Energy Group (REG) basketball club coach Patrick Ngwijuruvugo has praised his players for what he described as a great team spirit, which saw them clinch a double of this year’s Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) editions. The Burundian tactician made the remarks on Sunday after his side overcame archrivals and newly crowned league champions Patriots 73-67 in the final of the regional GMT edition at Petit Stade Remera. Ngwijuruvugo was appointed REG head coach three weeks ago, replacing Cyrille Kalima, who is now serving as assistant coach. “I am extremely excited and proud of my boys for the great teamwork they showed me since taking the reins of this club. Winning two titles in just two weeks in such a big competition means a lot to me and the team,” he said. A week ago, REG defeated APR 84-45 to claim the local GMT title. The GMT double means the black-and-red outfit have now won four titles this season, in a spell only of seven months and could make it five if they claim the forthcoming play-off games. REG opened their count for the 2017/2018 campaign with the preseason title in November before claiming the National Heroes Day tourney in February. “We lost the league title but we decided to fight for all the remaining titles and now the only local title remaining is the playoffs. We have to prepare for it very well and win it,’” he added. A total of 15 teams, including six from DR Congo, participated in this year’s regional edition, with APR winning the title in the women category while Espoir claimed the veterans’ title. REG’s centre player Kami Kabange was named the Most Valuable Player, while APR’s Sandra Kantore took the same award in the women’s category. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
