The club has also obtained the necessary International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to register Amissi, who joins from Al-Qadsiah FC in Saudi Arabia, where he last played two years ago.
Amissi had previously signed with Kiyovu last season but was unable to feature due to the sanctions. Last month, he was spotted training with Rayon Sports, showcasing his fitness and readiness.
“Kiyovu Sports has now settled all outstanding payments required to register new players,” said club spokesperson Minani Hemed.
The club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season and is reportedly in advanced talks with defender Ishimwe Jean Rene from Marine FC.
Ament, 18, plays for Tennessee Basketball in the United States known for nurturing top talent. He has been in Rwanda for several days on holiday, also taking time to explore his mother’s homeland.
During their discussions, Minister Mukazayire and Ament explored opportunities to develop basketball, as well as the importance of sports in fostering values, inspiring youth, and highlighting talents.
While in Rwanda, Ament visited children playing basketball in Kayonza and joined them in training sessions. He also visited Volcanoes National Park.
Recently ranked fourth among the top 100 young basketball players in the U.S., Ament is considered a rising star, with speculation already suggesting he could be in the 2026 NBA draft.
With a Rwandan mother, Ament recently unveiled a custom-made shoe by Reebok featuring the colors of the Rwandan flag.
Last year, he represented Team USA in the 2024 FIBA U-18 Americas Championship, where the team won the gold medal.
Ament, whose mother is Rwandan, is set to join the University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball Program this fall and is widely projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
At a time when his profile is rising, Nate chose to step away from the U.S. spotlight to spend time in the country he calls his second home, reconnect with family, and inspire the next generation of Rwandan athletes.
It was an opportunity for Ament to engage directly with young people through basketball sessions in Nyamirama, where local players, school children, and community members gathered for a day of sport, celebration, and learning.
The visit was hosted on courts developed by Shooting Touch, a nonprofit that has worked in Rwanda for over a decade to combine basketball with community health and youth empowerment.
Nate shared skills, played in scrimmages, and even joined in local dances with youth and women’s teams. These moments of joy and interaction highlighted a key message: that basketball is as much about relationships and shared experiences as it is about performance.
For many young players, Nate’s presence served as living proof of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity.
While the day included training sessions, games, and plenty of laughter, it also offered access to free health screenings — a reminder that sport can be a gateway to wider opportunities and well-being.
Reflecting on the visit, Shooting Touch’s Director of International Strategy and Programming, Chloe Rothman, emphasized the value of building courts within communities and pairing them with comprehensive health programs around the game.
“Our goal is to ensure athletes aren’t just healthy enough to play, but equipped to thrive long after their time with us. Having Nate Ament — arguably the most influential figure in Rwandan basketball to date — here with us, embracing our ‘bigger than basketball’ mission, means the world to our team and our community,” she said.
{{A homecoming rooted in family and service}}
Nate’s Rwandan connection runs deep. His mother, Godelive Mukankuranga, and father, Albert Ament, met in Rwanda in 1998 while working in health and humanitarian development.
Guided by the values instilled by his parents, Nate believes in using his talents to uplift others — a belief that shaped his activities during this trip.
One of the most meaningful moments came when students from the Itetero Kayonza Nursery and Primary School, run by Nate’s aunt, joined the basketball clinic.
For Nate, seeing his extended family alongside local children created a shared space where sport, culture, and heritage intertwined.
Celestin finished top of a competitive field of over 60 professional and amateur golfers from across Africa. Players competed for Ksh 2 million (about Frw 22 million) in prize money, as well as valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
This is Celestin’s second major win of the season after his success at the Q-School tournament. He also recently finished runner-up at Nyali Golf & Country Club. His strong form continued on the challenging coastal course, where he managed the tough conditions with skill and consistency.
Kigali Golf Resort and Villas (KGRV), a brand of Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course (RUGC) with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) as the main shareholder, warmly congratulated Celestin on his achievement.
“We are extremely proud of Celestin’s accomplishment. His talent and dedication inspire the Rwandan golf community and fans across the region. Kigali Golf Resort and Villas remains committed to supporting his journey as he continues to represent Rwanda on regional and international stages,” said Gasore Z. Gaston, Acting CEO of KGRV.
KGRV noted that Celestin’s success reflects Rwanda’s growing presence in the regional and international golfing arena, driven by strategic investments from RSSB and strong government support. Such initiatives have expanded opportunities for Rwandan athletes to compete at the highest levels while boosting the country’s profile as a golf and sports tourism destination.
The tournament will take place at Petit Stade, Kigali, from August 23 to 26.
This marks a historic moment as the global basketball development and community outreach program, jointly organised by the NBA and FIBA, brings together 60 of Africa’s top male and female players aged 18 and under.
The young talents will receive elite coaching from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players and legends, while also engaging in leadership, life skills training, and social responsibility activities.
The NBA, in a statement on Monday, emphasised the importance of the camp in nurturing basketball talent across the continent, noting the growing momentum for the sport in East Africa.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi said the timing of the camp is perfect, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth in the region.
“Basketball Without Borders Africa continues to provide a platform for top young players from across the continent to continue their development and reach the highest levels of the game,” Akamanzi said.
“We look forward to bringing this year’s camp to East Africa at a time when there is incredible momentum around the game in the region.”
Previously, the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp has been hosted in several African countries, including Angola, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa, making Rwanda the newest addition to the list.
FIBA’s Head of Players Unit, Kimberley Gaucher, highlighted Rwanda’s rising prominence in African basketball, citing the country’s recent hosting of major events such as the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying tournament, four Basketball Africa League Playoffs and Finals between 2021 and 2024, and both boys’ and girls’ FIBA U-16 AfroBasket tournaments. Gaucher described the choice of Rwanda as “particularly significant” for the development of basketball in East Africa.
Since its inception in 2001, the Basketball Without Borders program has impacted over 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories. Notably, 142 former campers have been drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents, including stars like 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid and 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam.
This year’s event will draw 49 teams representing seven refugee sites: Mahama Camp, Nyabiheke Camp in Gatsibo, Mugombwa Camp in Gisagara, Kiziba Camp in Karongi, Nkamira Transit Centre in Rubavu, ETM Gashora in Bugesera, and the Urban City side from Kigali.
The week-long tournament will feature six disciplines: football, taekwondo, basketball, volleyball, sitting volleyball, and karate.
The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), in partnership with various organisations, is staging the games to promote talent, unity, and sportsmanship among refugees.
Mahama Camp will be looking to defend its dominance after a stellar performance in last year’s edition, where it clinched the football title with a 1–0 victory over Kigeme and swept both the men’s and women’s basketball trophies.
Scheduled for 28–30 October 2025, the course marks a significant milestone in the continent’s development of para-sport coaching capacity.
This hands-on course, also known as “Part B,” is designed for club coaches and national team assistants who have completed or will complete “Part A,” the online theoretical module, by 1 October 2025.
Held at the NPC Rwanda Gymnasium in Remera, the training will be led by Dr. Mosaad Rashad Elaiuty (Egypt) and Nathan Pretorius (South Africa), both certified World ParaVolley coaching tutors.
Rwanda has emerged as a continental leader in Sitting Volleyball, with national teams earning recognition for their outstanding performances across Africa.
However, the number of certified Rwandan coaches and African coaches in general with advanced knowledge of the sport remains low. Many still rely on techniques from regular volleyball rather than Sitting Volleyball-specific training.
To address this gap, the National Paralympic Committee of Rwanda (NPC-Rwanda), in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, approached World ParaVolley to request permission to host a specialised training course aimed at building the capacity of African coaches and others interested from beyond the continent.
“We have been granted the opportunity to host this training, and it’s a chance to elevate our coaches from Level 1 to Level 2,” said Jean Baptiste Murema, President of NPC-Rwanda, the organising body.
“This means we’ll have Rwandan coaches with proper knowledge of the game, rather than relying on what they’ve seen on TV or elsewhere. We hope that at least 30 coaches will emerge from the training with solid expertise, which will help establish Rwanda as a hub for this sport, as we envision.”
Participants are expected to arrive in Kigali by the evening of 28 October. The two-day course will run from 29 to 30 October, with departures set for the evening of 30 October.
The USD 220 fee, payable to the Rwandan Paralympic Committee, covers tuition, accommodation (at the Five to Five Hotel in Remera), meals, and local transport. International travel and visa expenses are the responsibility of participants. Those who have not yet begun the online “Part A” must also pay a €100 course registration fee to World ParaVolley.
The course will be conducted entirely in English and is open to both African and international participants.
The decisive goal came just before halftime when Gor Mahia’s creative playmaker Austin Odhiambo danced through the Congolese defence and calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner in the 45+2 minute. The lively crowd erupted as Kenya took the lead against one of Africa’s most experienced sides.
Odhiambo’s strike followed a pass from David Sakwa, showcasing Kenya’s attacking flair and composure on their debut in this continental tournament reserved exclusively for home-based players.
Despite DR Congo controlling early possession, Kenya grew in confidence and maintained a disciplined defensive structure that frustrated the visitors throughout the match.
In the second half, DR Congo increased their pressure, with players like Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala threatening with headers, and Heltone Kayembe forcing a notable save from Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi. However, the solid defence, marshalled by Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, stood firm to repel multiple late corners and protect the slim lead.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, in his first major tournament at the helm, used tactical substitutions, bringing on Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire in the final quarter to strengthen the midfield and close out the win.
The victory marks a proud start for Kenya, who are co-hosting the CHAN tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania for the first time. The team will now face Angola on Thursday in what promises to be another tough Group A encounter, while DR Congo will look to recover against Morocco.
Adding to the excitement, Kenyan President William Ruto attended the match alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a passionate sports enthusiast. The day before, President Ruto pledged 600 million shillings (approximately Frw 6.7 billion ) in bonuses if the Harambee Stars clinch the CHAN title.
The president also promised incremental rewards for reaching the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final, alongside match-win bonuses of Frw 10 million per player.
The CHAN 2024 tournament began on Saturday, August 2, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the Taifa Stars secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, igniting the East African region’s enthusiasm for the championship.
Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to qualify for the tournament. In the qualifiers, they were eliminated after a 4-4 aggregate draw against South Sudan, losing on the away goals rule. This is the second consecutive time they’ve missed out on the CHAN tournament.
Mama Mukura, whose loyalty to the sport spanned over six decades, died at her home after battling illness. According to club officials, she had recently been discharged from hospital and passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
“We were shocked to receive the news. She had gone to bed as usual, but this morning she was found lifeless,” said Gatera Edmond, spokesperson for Mukura VS.
Mukura VS, in collaboration with her family and members of the local football community, is now preparing to give her a fitting farewell.
Club officials described her as a “grandmother to all football lovers,” and said she would be remembered not only for her unwavering support but for the values she stood for: resilience, unity, and passion for the game.
Born in 1922 in Kabitoki Village, Save Sector, Gisagara District, Mukanemeye was the youngest of eight children. She left school early and worked as a cook for Catholic sisters in Kibeho. At 43, she got married but never had children; instead, she became a mother figure to generations of football fans.
Her love affair with football began in her school years and continued through adulthood. She often joined local boys in village matches and once attended a royal football match graced by King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
When Mukura Victory Sports was founded in 1963, she became one of its earliest and most loyal fans. Over the decades, she rarely missed a game in Huye and proudly wore the club’s colours, often cheering from the stands with unmatched enthusiasm. Her presence became synonymous with Mukura home games, earning her the nickname “Mama Mukura.”
Despite her allegiance to Mukura, Mukanemeye was also a devoted follower of Amavubi, Rwanda’s national team. In a 2022 interview with IGIHE, she recalled the joy football brought to her life and encouraged young people to embrace sports not just as entertainment, but as a source of unity and identity.
“We considered her the grandmother of all football fans, not just because she loved Mukura VS, but also because she deeply supported the national team. She was a role model to many, and it’s only right that we give her a respectful farewell and continue her legacy,” said Gatera.
Funeral arrangements are underway, with Mukura VS pledging to honour her with the respect befitting a club icon.
Abigail Lemma Hailemichael, FIFA’s Development Manager overseeing North, East, and Central African countries, recently spoke to IGIHE about ongoing projects and future plans that position Rwanda as a key player in the region’s football evolution.
Since the regional office was established in Kigali over four years ago, Rwanda has served not only as a strategic hub for FIFA’s operations but also as a pilot ground for innovative football development programs. Working alongside Davis Ndayisenga, the regional office head, Abigail coordinates efforts across 16 member countries, helping to implement FIFA’s global agenda locally.
One of the standout projects highlighted by Abigail is the recent approval for the installation of four artificial pitches across Rwanda. The synthetic turf pitches will be built in several districts, including Gicumbi, Rutsiro, and Rusizi, as well as at the Rwanda Football Federation’s (FERWAFA) training facility in Kigali.
The pitch near Kigali, in particular, will upgrade an existing accommodation centre, developed under the FIFA Forward program, transforming it into a fully operational technical centre.
In addition to the full-sized pitches, Rwanda is among five African countries selected to pilot the Mini Pitches Project, which involves constructing smaller, quality pitches in schools. This initiative aims to provide young players with better access to proper facilities right within their educational environments, promoting grassroots participation and talent development.
FERWAFA plans to roll out 10 such mini pitches this year, targeting schools recognised as football development hubs.
Rwanda also benefits from the FIFA Football for Schools Program, a continent-wide initiative that has already reached 12 countries under the supervision of the regional office. The program uses football as a tool to teach life skills to children, distributing hundreds of thousands of footballs and training coaches to engage youth through fun and educational football sessions.
Abigail emphasised that despite progress, challenges remain across the region, particularly regarding the limited financial and operational capacity of some member associations. To address these gaps, FIFA has focused on creating partnerships with commercial stakeholders and launched the FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Program.
This initiative targets top leagues and clubs to enhance administrative skills, improve governance, and boost financial sustainability.
Looking beyond Rwanda, ongoing projects include the near-completion of the Kadiba Stadium in Uganda and the establishment of a national technical centre in Egypt.
The development manager also highlighted FIFA’s commitment to women’s football, detailing specialised programs aimed at increasing female participation, improving coaching and league structures, and raising the visibility of women’s football through targeted campaigns.
For young footballers and aspiring professionals in Rwanda and the wider region, Abigail shared an inspiring message, stressing that football is a platform full of opportunities. With dedication and support, it can open doors beyond the pitch, whether as players, coaches, referees, or sports administrators.
