Mugabe keen to lead Patriots to first hoops league title

SATURDAY MenRusizi vs IPRC-Kigali - 9amAPR vs U18 Boys Team - 10amCSK vs UR-Huye - 12pmPatriots vs UGB IPRC-South vs Espoir WomenAPR vs The Hoops - 10amUR-Huye vs Ubumwe - 12pm SUNDAY MenRusizi vs Espoir - 9amAPR vs UR-Huye - 10amUGB vs U18 Boys Team - 12pm After guiding Patriots to two titles in a space of three months, new signing Aristide Mugabe is eager to lead his side to their first league title this year as they lock horns with United Generation Basketball (UGB) on Saturday at KIST courts. Patriots Basketball Club, which made their league debut last season, and went on to finish second, behind champions Espoir, have already won two trophies, including the pre-season tournament in November last year, and the Heroes Day tourney last week. Mugabe, the ex-Espoir captain, was named the Heroes Day tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) after he helped his new team overcome his former employers in the final 84-72. The 27-year-old point guard was also impressive when the two title rivals met in the league two weeks ago, which Patriots won 77-65 to take the outright lead at the top of the national basketball league table. “I left Espoir to join Patriots because I was looking for a new challenge, and to be honest, so far so good—I have been here for a short time but I have adapted quickly to the new environment and new teammates,” Mugabe told Saturday Sport. He added, “We have already won two trophies, but we all know that the bigger prize (league and playoffs) is still way off, nonetheless, winning two tournaments can only motivate us to do even more to achieve the main goal.” Patriots are still unbeaten in six league games and will be seeking to extend their winning streak. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Mugabe keen to lead Patriots to first hoops league title