Kepler | |
---|---|
League | Rwanda Basketball League |
Founded | 2022 |
History | Kepler BBC (2022–present) |
Arena | Kepler University Court |
Location | Kigali, Rwanda |
Team colors | Green and Blue |
CEO | Nathalie Munyampenda |
Head coach | Rene Sabahu |
Ownership | Kepler |
Kepler Basketball Club is a Rwandan semi-professional basketball team based in Kigali that is managed by the non-profit educational institution Kepler. Their men's team plays in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) since the 2024 season.
History
[edit]The 1,000-student large non-profit education institution Kepler started its basketball program in 2023, mixing the team with both students and professional players.[1] Nathalie Munyampenda was appointed as the club's CEO.[1] In their debut season under Rene Sabahu[2] in the men's Rwanda Basketball League Division 2, they were promoted following a second place finish in the 2023 season.[2]
They acquired all-time legendary player Aristide Mugabe for their inaugural RBL season,[3] and also signed the succesfull Ugandan coach Mandy Juruni, who came over from BAL club City Oilers.[4] Kepler then went on to sign Guibert Nijimbere, a Burundi national team guard, for the upcoming season as well.[5] Their first league win came on February 18, when they defeated the Kigali Titans at home.[6]
Arena
[edit]The team plays at an outdoor court at the college but is planning to construct a 1,500-seater indoor hall by 2024.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Sikubwabo, Damas (15 November 2023). "Inside Kepler's huge basketball ambitions". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ a b Sikubwabo, Damas (6 October 2023). "A look at the two new teams in Rwanda Basketball League". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (1 February 2024). "Mugabe bids farewell to Patriots". The New Times. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (4 December 2023). "Basketball: Experienced Mandy Juruni appointed Kepler head coach". The New Times. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (13 April 2024). "Basketball: Nijimbere joins Kepler". The New Times. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (18 February 2024). "Basketball: Kepler register first league win over crisis-hit Kigali Titans". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.