KIGALI (Rwanda) - Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) are set to return to a major continental competition at this year's Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA), which begins on 6 December in Dakar, Senegal.
It's their first continental appearance since finishing 0-6 at 2022 FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women in Maputo, Mozambique.
For the four-time Rwandese league champions, their return comes as an opportunity for redemption after faltering in the FIBA Zone Five Qualifiers held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR THE 2024 WBLA
FIBA Africa extended a wild card to Zone 5 Qualifiers' bronze medalist for the continental showpiece.
The side played in the 11-team Qualifiers at the newly constructed Amaan Indoor Stadium as Zanzibar hosted its first ever FIBA competition. The side opened their campaign with a dominant show against reigning Africa silver medalists Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 96-76. They followed it up with a 123-38 hammering of Ethiopia's Hawassa to remain perfect in the group stage. Facing Burundi's Gladiator in the quarters, the side picked a 78-55 win to head to the Semis where they faced archrivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG), losing 82-77. A second meeting with KPA, who lost in the other Semis to eventual winners Al Ahly Sporting Club, in the third place match saw APR prevail 85-51 to go 2-0 on the Kenyan side.
KEY PLAYERS IN THE TEAM
Former African championship's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Italee Lucas led the charge for APR in the Qualifiers, combining with Malian small forward Kamba Yoro Diakite and Canadian Shaina Pellington to run rings around the opponents, only to fall short against fellow Rwandan side REG for the fifth time in a row. The trio will be crucial for APR. The two sides had met in the Rwandese league best-of-seven Final, before the Zone Five event, going down 4-0 to head to the Zonal qualifying event as the second best team from the country. APR's defensive lead was Democratic Republic of Congo power forward Chanel Mokango, who misses the continental showpiece. Lucas and skipper Charlotte Umugwaneza also put up numbers and are expected to lead the charge.
NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
The team boasts a wealth of players led by Olympian Pellington, Angolan-American Lucas, and skipper Umugwaneza. A majority of the Rwandese nationals have been part of the national team with Martine Umuhoza and Sandra Kantoré having played in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament hosted in the country. Youngster Jane Dusabe who played for REG in last year's AWBL has also featured in the U18 2022 qualifiers as has Diakite in 2016, going on to feature in the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017.
NEW ADDITIONS
Two-time Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) champion with Las Vegas Aces, American Kierstan Bell, a first round 11th overall pick in 2022, will suit up for the Rwandese side. Also joining is U18 AfroBasket star Brigitte Nibishaka. The 17-year-old was this year's Rwandese regular season MVP and top scorer.
YEAR OF CREATION AND OWNERSHIP
Owned and funded by the Ministry of Defence of Rwanda, the team plays in the Rwandese women's basketball league, and are the most decorated women's club with four titles. The APR teams originated during the RPF’s liberation struggle in 1993, established to serve as a means to engage and occupy soldiers during a ceasefire amid the Arusha peace talks.
HEAD COACH
Experienced Charles Mushumba, who was appointed head coach in September, leads APR in their inaugural continental cameo. The former IPRC-South tactician comes loaded with experience, having served as the national men's team assistant and head coach for different assignments.
WHERE THEY PLAY HOME GAMES
The team plays its nine-team national league matches at the Amahoro Indoor, Keplar University and Lou de Car courts. The play-offs and big matches are played at the BK Arena.
FIBA