The year 2024 witnessed noteworthy accomplishments in Rwandan basketball, both at club and national levels. With investments from both private and public sectors, the sport has continued to tremendously grow its fanbase. From APR’s 15th championship to Desire Mugwiza winning fourth term in office as Rwandan Basketball Federation (FERWABA) president, Times Sport takes a look at major highlights that shaped Rwandan Basketball 2024. APR crowned back-to-back championships APR retained the Rwanda Basketball League championship for a record-extending 15th time after overcoming closest rivals Patriots with a 4-2 series victory in the finals. The army side will represent Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025. Meanwhile, the club’s former star point guard Isaiah Miller was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) courtesy of his stellar performances during the playoffs. ‘Successful’ FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifiers Rwanda hosted the first-ever Africa-bound FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifiers, and according to FIBA President, Anibal Manave, the tournament was not short of the “masterclass” organization. ALSO READ: FIBA praises Rwanda’s hosting capabilities for international competitions Pre-qualifiers hosts Rwanda fell short against Great Britain in the last game of Group D and again stumbled to yet another loss at the hands of Senegal (68-65) in the semi-finals. Just like Rwanda, Great Britain returned home with a 2-2 mark. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Hungary women beat Senegal, qualify for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Hungary defeated Senegal 63-47 in the final to be crowned champions World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Kigali, finishing the campaign with a 4-1 record. They secured the only ticket which was up for grabs for the next FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to take place in March 2026. Petro de Luanda win the BAL 2024 After a couple of attempts, Angolan giants Petro de Luanda were crowned champions of the fourth season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali after beating Libya’s Al Ahly Ly 107-94 in the final held at BK Arena in Kigali to win the 2024 Basketball Africa League championship. It was Petro de Luanda's first continental title since winning the 2015 FIBA Africa Champions Cup in the capital of Luanda. Injury-hit APR Basketball Club suffered an early elimination from BAL 2024 after finishing at the bottom of the Sahara Conference group phase games, becoming the first Rwandan team to miss out on the playoffs since the competition’s inception in 2021. REG crowned women’s league champions Rwanda Energy Group (REG) dethroned APR to lift the 2024 Women’s Basketball League championship. They were crowned champions after a clean 4-0 sweep on APR in the best-of-seven series. APR claim bronze at WBLA 2024 APR had a season to forget in the domestic league, losing the championship to REG. They then had an unimpressive campaign in the Zone 5 qualifiers only to win a ticket to 2024 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) on a wild card. The army side seized the opportunity and defied the odds to achieve a third-place finish following a hard-fought 96-94 win over home side ASC Ville de Dakar at the Marius Ndiaye Arena in Dakar. ALSO READ: APR women claim bronze at WBLA 2024 APR finished 0-6 on their debut appearance on the African stage in 2022, then missed out on the 2023 edition, only to return a better side for the 2024 edition to settle for bronze. Desiré Mugwiza re-elected as FERWABA president Desiré Mugwiza was re-elected to lead the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) for another four-year term. Mugwiza, who has been at the helm of the federation since 2013, won the vote of confidence from FERWABA members during the general assembly held Saturday, December 21. ALSO READ: Desiré Mugwiza re-elected as FERWABA president In the same assembly, Pascale Mugwaneza was elected as the first vice president, while Edouard Munyangaju retained his position as second vice president. Alice Muhongerwa and Claudette Habimana Mugwaneza were reappointed as Treasurer and Technical Director respectively. Meanwhile, Maxime Mwiseneza, was voted as the Advisor for Youth Talent Development while Aimé Munana retained his role as Legal Advisor.
