Rwandan powerhouse RSSB Tigers have assembled a powerful 13-man roster as they chase Basketball Africa League (BAL) glory forward of the playoffs, which tip off on Friday, Might 22, at BK Area.
Coached by Henry Mwinuka, the Tigers will open their playoff marketing campaign towards Moroccan facet FUS Rabat on Friday at 8pm. The BAL playoffs will run via Might 31 in Kigali.
ALSO READ: RSSB Tigers camp locked in for BAL championship chase
In a primary for the BAL, the quarterfinals shall be performed over a two-game sequence, with mixture scores figuring out which groups advance to the semifinals.
Because the event will get underway, Weekend Sport takes a better have a look at the gamers hoping to make historical past with RSSB Tigers.
Ntore Habimana
The 28-year-old Canada-born Rwandan level guard is likely one of the key native gamers on the Tigers’ roster. Habimana already boasts BAL expertise after that includes for APR in 2024 and Rwanda Vitality Group (REG) in earlier editions. He’s additionally an essential member of the Rwanda nationwide basketball staff.
Dieudonné Ndizeye
Ndizeye, 29, is among the many most skilled and constant gamers in Rwandan basketball. The small ahead was named league MVP in 2019 and has already performed in two BAL editions with Patriots BBC in 2021 and REG in 2022. He additionally beforehand featured for Moroccan facet MAS Fes.
Teafale Marquise Lenard Jr.
The 23-year-old American ahead is understood for his elite defensive qualities, athleticism and explosive fashion of play. Standing at 2.01m, Lenard Jr. beforehand performed within the NBA G League with the Texas Legends and in addition featured within the BAL with South Africa’s MBB.
Mangok Mathiang
At 33, Mathiang brings expertise and bodily presence to the Tigers. The South Sudanese-Australian heart constructed his profession via school basketball in the US earlier than enjoying professionally in a number of nations, together with China with the Beijing Geese. He’s extensively revered for his rebounding and dominance within the paint.
Craig Randall
Randall was one of many standout performers in the course of the Kalahari Convention. The 30-year-old American capturing guard set a brand new BAL scoring document after dropping 54 factors within the Tigers’ 104-92 victory over Dar Metropolis. In the identical recreation, he additionally set a three-point document after sinking 11 pictures from past the arc. Randall beforehand featured within the NBA G League with groups together with the Wisconsin Herd.
Axel Mpoyo
Born to a Rwandan mom and Congolese father, Mpoyo has spent the final three seasons in Rwanda’s basketball league. The 29-year-old was named league MVP as soon as and has additionally earned All-Star recognition because of his consistency and flexibility.
Chandelier Cyiza Twizeyimana
Cyiza, 22, joined Tigers on a short-term deal from Kepler BBC. The ahead additionally represents Rwanda at worldwide degree and can make his first BAL playoff look in Kigali.
Osborn Shema
The 28-year-old ahead missed the Kalahari Convention resulting from health issues however now joins a Tigers facet decided to win the championship on dwelling soil. Standing at 2.13m, Shema provides each defensive presence and offensive flexibility. Identified for his unselfish fashion, he reads the sport effectively, strikes the ball successfully and may also stretch the ground together with his capturing potential.
Presently enjoying for APR BBC within the native league, Shema beforehand missed the chance to characteristic for APR within the 2025 BAL season after struggling an anterior cruciate ligament damage that sidelined him for greater than a 12 months.
Steven Hagumintwari
Hagumintwari, 32, is understood for his robust two-way recreation. The facility ahead joined Tigers in the course of the 2025 offseason after spending 11 profitable years with Patriots BBC, the place he established himself as one of many league’s prime gamers in his place.
Antino Jackson
Jackson joined the Rwandan league in 2024, first enjoying for REG earlier than spells with APR and now RSSB Tigers. The 30-year-old guard at the moment captains the staff and have become a fan favourite after hitting a dramatic game-winning three-pointer towards Angolan giants Petro de Luanda.
Paul Bizimana
Born in Haltom Metropolis, Texas, Bizimana is a 2.06m energy ahead who holds twin American and Rwandan nationality however selected to signify Rwanda internationally. Though nonetheless receiving restricted minutes, the 22-year-old is gaining beneficial expertise that would form his future profession.
Oumar Ballo
Ballo is thought to be one in every of Africa’s prime facilities. The 23-year-old at the moment performs for Pallacanestro Cantù in Italy’s prime division and is understood for his bodily presence, rebounding potential and effectivity across the rim.
Throughout his school profession in the US with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Ballo established himself as one of many prime rebounders in school basketball. Offensively, he shoots above 60 p.c from the sphere and thrives in pick-and-roll conditions, whereas defensively his power and measurement make him a powerful shot blocker and inside defender.
Bathie Ndiaye
The 18-year-old Senegalese prospect is the youngest participant on the Tigers’ BAL playoffs roster. Ndiaye is a product of the distinguished NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, the place he developed after coming via the SEED Academy system.
