APR start title defence

Today Espoir v KIE (9am) - AmahoroUGB v APR (11am) - AmahoroMarine v CSK (11am) - RubavuUNR v Rusizi (11am) - Huye AS the highly anticipated National Basketball League rolls off today, the buzz is expected to grow to new heights at Amahoro Courts as defending champions APR enter the fray against United Generation Basketball (UGB). Like in previous years, APR is widely tipped to retain the title which they have won three times since 2005. However, the Indomitable Lions’ coach Cliff Owuor has cautioned his players against complacency. “We are confident our squad will triumph in the league yet again. But the challenge especially from Marine should not be taken lightly,” the former Kenyan international said. Elsewhere, former champions Marine host Cercle Sportif (CSK) in Rubavu, National University of Rwanda (UNR) face Rusizi in Huye while 2004 champions Espoir clash with Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) at Amahoro. Despite a fascinating start, last year’s league had the worst of endings when APR were declared champions by default. Having to play reigning champions Marine in the play-offs final, the Gisenyi-based club boycotted the final much to the dismay of the fans. Never the less, Owuor still guided the club to their third league title since 2005 when he joined as coach. The Kenyan, who has also guided the club to several other trophies including back-to-back Zone-5 Club Championship, has already earned a reputation as the most successful coach in the club’s history. Speaking ahead of this year’s campaign, Owuor said that the club is already focusing on sweeping as many titles as they can. “APR is a big club and as usual sets targets of winning as many titles as they can. So we are sticking to that this year,” he said. The women league gets underway next weekend. Ends

Lifestyle

APR start title defence