Former Espoir basketball team head coach, Maxime Mwiseneza, has joined national league side Rwanda Energy Group (REG) on a two-year contract as assistant coach.

The 36-year-old replaces Patrick Ngwijuruvugo whose contract ran out last week.

Times Sport understands that REG have also launched their persuit of Patriots manager Henry Mwinuka for the head coach job, but the latter has so far repeatedly turned down the offers.

The shakeup in the club's backroom staff follows last month's disappointing events as Patriots edged them to retain the league title after coming from a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs finals at Kigali Arena.  REG were under the guidance of Serbian Igor Kovacevic who has since departed the 2017 champions.

In an interview with this publication, Mwiseneza said he is ready to take on the task of maintaining the club’s status as one of the best basketball teams in the country.

"It is a good and exciting challenge for me. And, I can promise our fans that I will do my best in my job.”

Mwiseneza started his career as Espoir assistant coach in 2012, before being appointed head coach in 2016. He is also currently the assistant coach of the national team, a position he has held since 2017.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com