Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 5 News: Rwanda Basketball League tips off with nine teams, Uganda's Gazelles prepare for AfroBasket qualifiers, and Kenya's squad sparks controversy as MVP Betty Kananu is snubbed.
Last Updated on
January 30, 2025
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The Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) this season promises to be exciting. The men's league will feature nine instead of the usual 10 teams after the removal of Flame Basketball for failing to present proof they could meet their financial obligations. The opening round runs from January until March 21, while the second phase of the league will run from March 28 to June 29. The nine teams that will compete in RBL 2025 are as follows:
According to reports, RBL powerhouse Rwanda Energy Group (REG) are prioritizing the re-signing of star Destiny Philoxy, the cornerstone of Rwanda's national team who has become an integral part of their success. Philoxy’s leadership was on full display during the 2024 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa, where she spearheaded REG’s charge to a commendable 6th-place finish against some of the continent’s elite teams.
Her impact extended to the domestic stage, where she played a pivotal role in securing REG’s historic triumph in the inaugural FERWABA Women’s Super Cup, solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer. With the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) season set to hit top gear in January, Philoxy’s potential return would bolster REG’s chances of retaining domestic dominance and making another strong continental push. Alongside skipper Rosine Micomyiza, Philoxy’s dynamic play and veteran presence make her a vital asset, one REG cannot afford to lose as they chase basketball glory at home and abroad.
The Uganda national women's basketball team, the Gazelles, has introduced a revamped technical bench led by Nicholas Natuhereza. A familiar face within the program, Natuhereza previously served as head coach between 2017 and 2023 before Alberto Antuna took over, guiding the Gazelles to a respectable seventh-place finish in the 2023 AfroBasket tournament. Natuhereza's return marks a renewed chapter for the team as they aim to build on their recent performances.
A 15-member squad is currently in preparations for the highly anticipated FIBA Zone Five Women's AfroBasket Qualifiers. Scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from 3 to 8 February, the tournament presents a critical opportunity for the Gazelles to assert their dominance in the region and secure qualification for the 2025 Women's AfroBasket. With Natuhereza's wealth of experience and familiarity with the squad, the team is gearing up for what promises to be a challenging yet pivotal campaign.
The Uganda Gazelles, led by co-captains Jane Asinde and Hope Akello, have named a squad that blends experienced regulars with emerging talent as they prepare for the FIBA Zone 5 Women's AfroBasket Qualifiers. The roster includes key players Sheila and Claire Lamunu and promising youngster Maxine Anyango, who was one of the standout performers for the Junior Gazelles at last year's U18 Women's AfroBasket.
Having secured a spot as runners-up in the 2023 edition, the Gazelles began their training camp on January 21, focusing on refining their tactics and conditioning ahead of the high-stakes tournament. The team is set to depart for Cairo on January 30, where they will compete in the six-day competition. They aim to build on their previous success and secure a place in the Women's AfroBasket. The squad's mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy positions them as strong contenders in the regional qualifiers.
Uganda’s next generation of basketball talent will come together on 31 January and 1 February for the U15 tournament, featuring teams from all FUBA-affiliated programs. Hosted at the Mengo SS courts, the event aims to provide a competitive platform for young hoopers to showcase their skills and passion for the game, and contribute to the overall growth of basketball in the country.
Beyond fostering competition, the tournament is an essential scouting ground for identifying and nurturing future national team prospects. By bringing together some of the most promising young players from across Uganda, FUBA hopes to strengthen grassroots development and instil a strong basketball culture from an early age. The event also highlights the federation’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for youth players and ensuring sustained progress for Uganda’s basketball ecosystem at national and international levels.
Division One’s top two clubs, Nkumba Lady Marines and Our Saviour Banyabo will compete in the upcoming National Basketball League (NBL) season after securing promotion by advancing to the finals of the FUBA Division One Playoffs. For Nkumba, the promotion marks a swift return to the top flight just one season after relegation. Meanwhile, Our Saviour Banyabo makes history by earning their first-ever spot in the NBL, a significant milestone for the club.
In the men’s league, Rezlife Saints also achieved an immediate return to the NBL, bouncing back just a season after their relegation to FUBA Division One. Victoria University claimed the final promotion spot, which secured its place in the top division after defeating the UMU Flames in the playoff semi-finals. With these promotions, the men’s and women’s NBL divisions will welcome fresh competition in the upcoming season.
Coach George Mayienga is determined to guide the national women's basketball team back to the continental stage after missing out on the 2023 Women's AfroBasket, where they finished third in the qualifiers.
He has assembled a star-studded squad featuring a strong American-based contingent, including Madina Okot, Felmas Koranga, siblings Grace and Ruthie Mbugua, and Mary Nyakundi. Rwanda Energy Group small forward Victoria Reynolds has also made the cut and has already joined the Kenyan-based players in training. Lithuania-based Mercy Wanyama adds further experience and depth to the roster.
However, the squad announcement was overshadowed by the controversial exclusion of national league MVP Betty Kananu, sparking public outcry on social media. Fans and analysts have heavily criticised the decision, calling out the federation for the omission. As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on Mayienga’s squad to see if they can reclaim their place on Africa’s biggest stage.
Last weekend saw the return of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) leagues following the festive break. In the men's league, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) currently leads the standings with four wins in five matches, a record matched by second-placed Umoja and third-placed Eldonets Platinum.
Meanwhile, Basketball Africa League-bound Nairobi City Thunder remain the only unbeaten team, having won all four of their games so far. On the women's side, the newly promoted Stanbic Aces are at the top of the table with seven points, having secured three wins in four matches. Defending champions Equity Hawks and KPA are closely followed in second and third place, respectively.
The women's national team is currently training in Cairo as they prepare to host this year's Women's AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers next month. Under the guidance of head coach Amr Assem, the hosts aim to defend their title and secure a spot in the 2025 Women's AfroBasket—the 29th edition of the tournament—set to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. With a podium finish in their sights, they will be vying for one of the top four spots, earning them a place in the qualifying tournaments for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of The New Times, FUBA, FIBA, SSB Federation, Sportpicha]
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