APR’s Indomitable Lions are now Frw15m short of their total budget for the upcoming Africa Zone 5 Club Championships in Ethiopia following a big financial boost from Kent Point trading company. The company recently boosted the defending champions with $10, 000 (about Frw5.5 millions).
APR, who will also field a ladies’ team in the tournament due October 28-November 1 also received Frw1m from Utexrwa and 0.5m from Horizon Construction Company.

The Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) has also supplemented the teams’ air tickets offer with a Frw6m cash support.

On the other hand, Marine, Rwanda’s other representative at the tournament are growing restless by the day after failing to get substantial financial support. According to the club president Col. Firmin Bayingana, the club is counting on pledges.

"Time is running out. We received so many pledges but we have not received any positive response. But I’m very confident that the team will travel,” Bayingana confidently stated.

However, should Marine fail to make the trip, they will receive a two-year ban penalty from Fiba-Africa, the continent’s basketball governing body.

Marine booked their ticket to Ethiopia after being crowned 2007 National basketball league champions while APR has an automatic ticket after winning last year’s edition (Zone 5) which was held in Kigali.

The Indomitable Lions roared their way to the crown after silencing Uganda’s Nkumba University in the semi-finals and Kenya’s KCB in the final.

Ends