Rwanda Energy Group (REG) have fired an early warning to their rivals about their title defence bid ahead of this year’s Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) in men’s basketball.

The 2019 edition of the annual tournament is set for June 4-9 in Kigali.

Last year, REG clinched the title for their first time after easing past Patriots 73-67 in the final. APR lifted the trophy in women’s category after edging IPRC-South 63-61.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, REG coach Patrick Ngwijuruvugo revealed his side’s target for a local double – of the league and GMT titles this season.

"GMT is a competition we respect very much, especially because of what it stands for. We want to retain its title and use it as a confidence booster in our chase for the league crown,” said the Burundian.

The week-long tourney is organised in honour of the over one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but more particularly for members of the basketball fraternity who were killed during the atrocities two and a half decades ago.

Over 30 members of the basketball fraternity – players, coaches and administrators – are known to have been killed during the Genocide.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com