Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Basketball Club has bolstered its roster with the acquisition of star Patriots small forward Dieudonné Ndizeye and power forward Steven Hagumintwari. The duo made the move after REG agreed to pay Patriots Rwf 80 million in transfer fees. Ndizeye, 27, and Hagumintwari, 30, two of Rwanda's seasoned basketball players, played together for over a decade and, after successful stints with IPRC-Kigali and Patriots from 2014 to 2024. They now hope to spend more time together at REG after penning three-year contract each with the club. Sources within REG management confirmed to Times Sport that the club has agreed to pay a transfer fee worth Rwf 40 million for each player. ALSO READ: Patriots’ Ndizeye, Hagumintwari linked to REG move It's a done deal. REG will pay Rwf 80 million for the two players, with contracts spanning three years, the source told Times Sport on condition of anonymity. These contracts are subject to extension, depending on their performance. This is a major boost for us as a contending team. Ndizeye is currently in Tripoli, Libya, where he will be part of the Cape Verdean side Kriol Star's squad for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers, starting on October 10. ALSO READ: Ndizeye joins Cape Verde side Kriol Star ahead of BAL qualifiers Meanwhile, Times Sport has learned that REG is in talks with Patriots' center Cadeaux de Dieu Furaha, who could potentially become the third Patriots player to join the team. A closer look at the new signings Steven Hagumintwari Hagumintwari is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL), excelling in both defense and offense. His defensive prowess, coupled with strong offensive contributions, make him a key asset on the court. In 2021, during the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) season, Hagumintwari suffered a knee fracture, sidelining him for an entire year. He made his return in 2022, but struggled to regain his pre-injury form, which his team solely needed as they faced fierce competition from REG who went on to defeat beat in two consecutive finals, claiming back-to-back championships. However, in the 2024 season, a fully fit Hagumintwari was back to his best, delivering impressive performances throughout the regular season. His scoring, rebounding, and electrifying dunks were fan favorites. Despite his efforts, APR triumphed over the Patriots in the playoff finals to win the championship. Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndizeye was a standout performer during the 2024 season, helping Patriots secure a runner-up finish in the Rwanda Basketball League. Renowned for his skill and work ethic, Ndizeye has been one of the top players in the country for several years. In 2019, Ndizeye was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). He has participated in two editions of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), playing a pivotal role for Patriots in 2021 and for REG in 2022.
