Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Basketball Club head coach Jean Bahufite is aiming to transform the club into not only the leading club in the country, but also one of the top sides in the region.

The league debutants were established before the start of the 2016/17 season and appointed Bahufite as their head coach.  Bahufite went on to make some eye-catching signings that have helped the club to become genuine title contenders in their maiden campaign.

Bahufite guided his former club, Espoir to four back to back league titles from 2012 to 2015 plus the 2012 FIBA Zone V Club Championship and he’s optimistic that he can surpass those achievements in his new job.

REG are currently on top of the league table with 27 points from 14 games, one point ahead of reigning champions Patriots, with Espoir in the third place on 24 points while IPRC-Kigali are fourth with 22 points. The top four teams also contest in the playoffs.

Bahufite, who also won the league title in his first season with Espoir in 2012, has vowed to do the same with REG as well as targeting to win every trophy up for grabs on the local scene, including the playoffs, Gisembe (local and regional tourneys) as well as next year’s FIBA Zone V Club Championship.

"We want to win every tournament that we compete in this season, we have the strength and I believe we have the best team in the country, my ultimate goal is turn this club into a regional powerhouse,” Bahufite told Times Sport on Tuesday.

He added, "But most importantly, I have the full support of the club management, who are more than willing to transform this club into the leader in Rwandan basketball. The players we sign must also fit into the project for the long term.”

Among the top players driving REG includes; former Espoir and Uganda City Oilers center Kami Kabange, former Patriots captain Ali Kubwimana, former Espoir duo Bievenue Ngadu and Benjamin Mukengerwa.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw