APR BBC stars Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo have damaged their silence over determination by Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) to droop them for one 12 months for failure to play for the nationwide staff, describing the sanctions as the results of a “large misunderstanding.”
FERWABA suspended the 2 gamers on June 22 from all basketball actions for one 12 months for allegedly failing to honour a nationwide staff call-up for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, which kicked off in Luanda, Angola, on Thursday, July 2, regardless of APR confirming their availability.
The sanction adopted resolutions adopted in the course of the federation's November 2025 Basic Meeting requiring each participant chosen for nationwide responsibility to honour official call-ups or face disciplinary motion. The resolutions got here after each gamers missed the November 2025 qualifying window in Tunisia, with Habimana citing private causes and Mpoyo sidelined by harm.
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Talking publicly for the primary time because the suspension, the pair mentioned they have been shocked as a result of that they had already reported to the nationwide staff camp when the federation sanctioned them.
“I didn't refuse, and I didn't say no. I'm simply right here to say it's not simply, it's not honest. We by no means declined something from the nationwide staff,” Habimana mentioned.
“An hour earlier than they despatched the sanction, we have been at apply, speaking to the coach and the employees. We have been current, so being shocked is admittedly an understatement.”
In response to the gamers, they knowledgeable the teaching and medical employees upon arrival that they may not instantly be a part of full coaching as a result of they have been recovering from accidents sustained in the course of the BAL season.
Medical experiences seen by Instances Sport point out that Habimana was nursing a minor foot harm whereas Mpoyo was recovering from a again drawback. Their membership physician really useful three days of relaxation earlier than returning to full coaching.
“I spoke with the staff physician about my foot harm. Everyone knew my scenario and no one urged we have been vulnerable to being suspended,” Habimana mentioned.
“Our membership knowledgeable the federation that we’d be there, and we have been. I even had a optimistic dialog with the pinnacle coach throughout apply.”
Mpoyo mentioned APR had notified FERWABA that he and Ntore would report on Saturday after the camp opened on Friday.
“Due to our accidents, we couldn't practice instantly, however we did report. That very same day we obtained suspension letters,” Mpoyo mentioned.
“It was a loopy second as a result of it got here instantly after one of many biggest moments of my profession, profitable the 2026 BAL title. I believe there was a misunderstanding. Possibly they believed our accidents weren't real.”
The gamers mentioned they instantly wrote to FERWABA searching for clarification earlier than the suspension was made public, however by no means obtained a response.
“Axel and I despatched a well-worded e-mail explaining that this was a misunderstanding and reaffirming our dedication to the nationwide staff,” Habimana mentioned.
“After representing Rwanda for greater than 5 years and simply profitable the BAL, I believed there would at the very least be a dialog. As a substitute, they went straight to suspending us.”
Mpoyo mentioned they continued reporting to camp till June 23 earlier than being denied entry to the coaching venue.
“We realised they now not wished us to take part.”
'I can't apologise'
Habimana maintains he adopted each required process and subsequently has nothing to apologise for.
“If I do one thing flawed, I'll admit it and apologise. However on this scenario, there's no guilt, so I can't apologise,” he mentioned.
Mpoyo believes the matter can nonetheless be resolved by means of dialogue.
“I'm not asking anybody to take my aspect or the federation's aspect. I'm merely presenting what occurred. We'll attraction as a result of we need to perceive the premise of this sanction.”
“I believe a easy dialog would assist everybody perceive one another's place.”
The suspension has additionally denied each gamers the chance to signify Rwanda in Angola.
“It hurts as a result of representing Rwanda is a privilege,” Mpoyo mentioned.
“My patriotism shouldn’t be questioned over one thing I didn't do. I by no means refused to play for the nationwide staff.”
APR questions federation's dealing with
APR Secretary Basic Eric Kalisa Salongo believes the dispute may have been averted by means of higher communication.
“We failed to know the push,” Kalisa mentioned, arguing that FERWABA ignored written medical experiences submitted by the membership.
“The gamers reported to camp with medical experiences, however these weren't thought of. They have been assumed to have refused with out correct verification.”
Kalisa additionally questioned why the federation communicated straight with the gamers when the November 2025 Basic Meeting resolved that golf equipment ought to deal with nationwide staff call-ups.
“The federation itself breached the agreed procedures by contacting the gamers straight,” he mentioned.
APR submitted two letters to FERWABA—one interesting the suspension and one other apologising on behalf of the gamers for speaking straight with the federation reasonably than by means of the membership—however each reportedly went unanswered.
“We selected humility. In response to the resolutions, the gamers shouldn't have communicated straight with the federation. On that time, they made a mistake,” Kalisa mentioned.
FERWABA has scheduled a gathering with APR on July 8 to debate the matter.
“Due to this misunderstanding, they misplaced the chance to signify their nation. We hope the federation will revisit its place.”
If the suspension stands, Habimana and Mpoyo will miss the upcoming Rwanda Basketball League playoffs.
APR head coach James Maye Jr described the absence of two of his key gamers as a significant blow.
“Lacking two key gamers is a large detriment—not solely to APR however to the nation as nicely. Hopefully the problem could be resolved amicably.”
'We're not taking part in for cash'
The gamers additionally addressed experiences that discussions over compensation influenced the dispute.
Mpoyo confirmed that monetary compensation was mentioned with FERWABA however insisted it was by no means a situation for representing Rwanda.
“It was a dialogue, not a refusal, ultimatum or demand. They made a suggestion, however the dialog by no means continued,” he mentioned.
Habimana added that he merely made a counter-offer after receiving the federation's proposal.
“They gave me a suggestion; I gave them a counter-offer.”
Each gamers burdened that representing Rwanda has by no means been about cash.
“We're skilled basketball gamers, so compensation naturally comes up in discussions,” Mpoyo mentioned. “Nevertheless it's by no means the principle issue.”
Habimana echoed the sentiment.
“We're taking part in for the badge and for our nation. However that doesn't imply gamers shouldn't be compensated for his or her effort and time.”
With a gathering between APR and FERWABA scheduled for July 8, each Habimana and Mpoyo say they continue to be hopeful that dialogue will clear what they insist was a misunderstanding and pave the best way for his or her return to the courtroom.
