Mukura Vicy Sports, a top-flight side, is looking for a head coach to lead the club in the 2022/23 football season that starts on August 19.

Since Tony Hernandez, a Spanish tactician, left the club in Huye at the end of the 2021/22 year, the club is without a coach.

Jerome Gasana, the club technical director, told Times Sport that the club management is in talks with three coaches.

“Yes, we are in talks with three coaches but we cannot mention their names at the moment. We will announce the new coach as soon as we can so that he can prepare the team ahead of the national football league,” Gasana said in an interview.

Despite losing key players like Moise Nyarugabo, Mukura is not active in the transfer markets. He had an impressive season and attracted the attention AS Kigali who signed him at the conclusion of the season.

Assistant coach Canisius Nshimiyimana is currently conducting training sessions and there are reports that the reason club has not bought any players is because FIFA in January banned the club from signing any player or coach until they pay French-born Algerian tactician Djilali Bahloul.

Bahloul was appointed head coach of the Huye-based club in October 2020, but was later fired without being paid as his contract required. 

Gasana, however, dismissed the reports and stated that they are trying to appoint a coach soon so he can sign new players.

“We haven’t been active in the transfer market because we want the coach to recommend the players he wants. The transfer market has not ended and we hope to bring in new players to fill the void left by the players who left,” he said.

Source: rnewtimes

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Tuesday

Semi final

Sunrise 3-0 Vision FC

High-flying Sunrise FC on Tuesday thrashed Vision 3-0 in the semi-final first leg of the second division to put one foot into the final and secure promotion to the topflight league for the 2022/23 season.

After a poor run, the Nyagatare-based side was demoted to the second division along with Muhanga FC.

However, head coach Innocent Seninga made a crucial impact in the club’s quest to make a quick comeback to the top flight league, a mission they could successfully accomplish should they go on to eliminate Vision FC and progress to the final slated for Saturday, June 18, at Kigali stadium.

They will play Interforce or Muhanga if they defeat Vision FC in the final to determine who will become the champions for the second division league.

Source: rnewtimes

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After Bank of Kigali reached an agreement worth Rwf7billion for the multipurpose facility’s name rights, the Kigali Arena is now known as BK Arena.

The six-year deal, the first of its kind for the 10,000-seat venue, was announced Tuesday, May 24, at the state-of-the-art facility’s headquarters after several months of talks between the bank and venue management, QA Solutions.

It’s a deal that BK Chief Executive Diane Karusisi described as ‘historic’ given the timing of announcing the naming rights agreement which came in the middle of the ongoing Basketball Africa League beside from which the bank is anticipating to grow its brand from sports and entertainment events hosted at the state-of-the-art facility.

“This is historic for us at BK. At BK, we don’t just do financial services. We enable industries, we enable ecosystems and we believe that there is a huge business in sports and entertainment and we want to be up there,” Karusisi said.

“BK, as an organization, has been working more with corporates…we want to connect more with people, especially youth, and there is no better way to connect with the youth than being where they are and reaching them here at BK Arena,” she added.

The deal means the government is beginning to reap from efforts it has for the past few years been investing in infrastructure in sports and entertainment as part of diversifying the country’s tourism sector.

“A partnership like this is going to create mass revenues of what we did as the government investing in infrastructure. We are grateful to see a cooperation like BK Group coming on board to help us create more impact,” RDB Deputy CEO Zephanie Niyonkuru said.

The government wants to position the country as a sports hub and hence host several events that can help generate revenue that can contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

“We believe the partnership will help to post our economic recovery efforts. 2019 and 2020 were tough years because of the pandemic, we have seen signs of recovery in 2021 when economic recovery grew by 10.9 per cent and with these partnership initiatives, hope to witness a strong recovery also in 2022,” he added.

The government’s economic recovery will be supported by the new partnership. It will also strengthen the brand’s connection with the youth through the new partnership.

“What happens in this Arena is all about sports and entertainment and it’s where you find a lot of youth. We want youth to know our brand, to think about BK when they want to do transactions, open a bank account and we believe if we are able to capture a very large market share in the youth it will be very beneficial for us for a very long time.” Karusisi said.   

 What’s in the deal?

The agreement allows Bank of Kigali the right to display its products across the venue, be it outside and inside, during different sports and entertainment events held at the facility, as part of the bank’s plans to grow its visibility within a wider audience gathering at the arena.

A post-paid card has also been introduced so clients coming for sports and entertainment events can use it while shopping from the venue’s various spots like restaurants among other services.

After four years of sponsorship, BK decided to end their interest in national basketball after 2018-2022.

Karusisi stated that the financial institution is still committed to investing sports and that the new deal means that they have only changed their approach to investing in the sector, including in basketball.

How long does the deal take?

The agreement will last for six years, but Karusisi said that the bank is open to extending it for as many years as necessary, as long as it pays dividends.

Source: rnewtimes

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Sadick Sulley, Bugesera striker is positive that his side will turn the tables in the second leg of their Peace Cup quarterfinal tie with Rayon Sports. After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg on Wednesday, Sadick Sulley was optimistic.

The decisive clash will determine which team will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on May 3.

Sulley, a Ghanaian striker, acknowledges that they lost by a narrow margin to a ‘good side’ but insisted nothing is decided yet, and they have what it takes to progress to the next round.

“We played against a good side,” he told this publication. “They were able to capitalise on our mistake to score in the first 10 minutes, but we quickly reorganized to limit the damage. We will come back stronger in the second leg.”

He added: “We have what it takes, and we will fight to win the second leg.”

Sulley, one the most prolific forwards in domestic soccer, has scored eight league goals for Bugesera this year.

Source: rnewtimes

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Rwanda Development Board (RDB), announced that Rwanda is developing a nationwide renewable cooking plant. 

This agreement was signed Monday by RDB, KOKO networks (KOKO), a company that provides climate technology services for emerging markets. 

RDB said that the country’s goal is to provide clean cooking for all citizens by 2030. 

This will help to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, deforestation, and indoor air pollution deaths due to the use of charcoal or wood for cooking.

Clare Akamanzi RDB chief executive noted; “The protection of our natural environment is a strategic priority for Rwanda, both nationally and in line with our international climate commitments.”

“Equally, clean cooking is an essential part of Rwanda’s efforts to meet the UN Goals around Health, Gender and Economic Development. We are pleased to partner with KOKO and Dalberg to enable the roll out of this important climate technology solution for the benefit of all Rwandans,” she added. 

The agreement will see Rwanda provide a policy environment that includes the removal of VAT and import duties for equipment and ethanol fuel. This will allow households to reap the benefits of the cost reductions through lower consumer prices. 

KOKO Rwanda will provide the technology, capital, and expertise to create and operate a national network. It will also leverage private climate finance of $25 millions. 

Expect more than 500 new jobs and new income streams for thousands small business partners.

“Through this agreement, Rwanda takes a real leadership position in the fight to protect Africa’s forests through replacing demand for deforestation-based charcoal, while also saving the lives of women and children,” said Greg Murray, CEO of KOKO,

He added, “Consumers want ultra-clean cooking fuel available at very low prices within a short walk of their home. Our platform enables this, when combined with fiscal policies that level the playing field with charcoal.”

James Mwangi, Executive Director at Dalberg, echoed similar sentiments. 

“This agreement represents a unique and compelling combination of leading-edge technology, private climate finance and policy best-practice, and is an example for other nations who seek to get serious about solving the dirty cooking fuel crisis.”

How technology works

KOKO has created a proprietary climate-tech platform that allows low-cost delivery and cooking fuel from bioethanol. This platform has been tested in Kenya. 

Households use a modern 2-burner bioethanol KOKO Cooker with a smart KOKO Canister that enables access to a dense Network of high-tech “KOKO Point” Fuel ATMs, which in turn are refilled by a fleet of Smart MicroTankers.

KOKO’s cloud software manages the flow of payments, fuel, appliances and carbon.

KOKO has partnered Dalberg to create KOKO Rwanda in order to enter the domestic market. This network will allow Rwandans to have easy access to clean fuel.

Source: rnewtimes

The post The New Times | Rwanda appeared first on African News Paper.

The national Cycling Team ‘Team Rwanda’ has joined the training camp in Nyamata as they step up preparations for the forthcoming 2022 African Continental Road Championships.

The event is scheduled for March 22 to 27 in Cairo, Egypt.

21 riders were summoned to report to camp on Thursday, March 10, for a ten day intensive training session. The team will then fly to Cairo on Wednesday, March 20.

Team Rwanda will compete at four levels: Men Elite, Women Juniors Juniors, Women Seniors and Women Elite.

The roster comprises familiar names of cyclists who represented the country at last year’s edition, including the likes of ProTouch trio of Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo, Moise Mugisha, Samuel Mugisha and Team Qhubeka rider Renus Byiza Uhiriwe.

The initial plan was for the continental races to take place in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), but the Confederation of African Cycling moved them to Egypt due to their incontinence about the possibility of a west African country being present.

Full provisional list:

Elite& U23 Men: Jean Clause Nzafashwanayo, Samuel Mugisha and Moise Mugisha (ProTouch), Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Benediction), Etienne Tuyizere (Benediction), Renus Byiza Uhiriwe (Team Qhubeka) as well as Eric Muhoza and Samuel Niyonkuru (Les Amis Sportifs).

Junior Men: Bonheur Ndayisenga (ANCA), Fabien Uwihanganye (Muhai Cycling Generation), Regis Mucyowera (CINE Elmay) and Hashim Tuyizere (Les Amis Sportifs).

Women Elite/U23:  Diane Ingabire, Valentine Nzayisenga, Violette Neza Irakoze, Jacqueline Tuyishime and Josiane Mukashema (all playing for Benediction Club).

Women Junior: Claudine Tiyishimire (all Bugesera Cycling Team), Alice Uwera (All Bugesera Sportifs), and Jazila Umwamikazi.

Source: rnewtimes

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Saturday

APR vs Gasogi United

Gicumbi vs Gorilla

Bugesera vs Mukura

Rutsiro vs Marines

Source: rnewtimes

The post APR seek win to stay top of league table appeared first on African News Paper.

Karenzi emerged victorious after beating Indian tennis player, Harshith Srivatsav Reddy Anugonda in three sets ( 6-2 3-6 [10-5]).

“The win today is all I wanted because I have to make sure I make it to the final draw of this competition. Tomorrow (Sunday) will be much tougher because I will be facing stronger opponents but I promise to give my all” said Karenzi.

Despite the win, the youngster who plays for IPRC-Kigali Tennis Academy has to beat France’s Maxim Gouge on Sunday to qualify for the main draw.

The ITF Junior tournament, which began on Saturday, February 12, 2013, is designed to allow players aged 18 and under the opportunity to travel around the world and improve their tennis skills. 

The tournament will be played by 83 players representing 33 countries.

The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors offers a platform for top players to get on their way to the professional game.

The prestigious ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals will see the top eight juniors compete head-to-head. 

Source: rnewtimes

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Jean Damascene Ndamage, the new president of Mukura Victory Sports, was elected on Saturday, February 12th.

Ndamage took office after he was backed by majority of club members who elected him during the General Assembly held in Huye,  Southern Province.

He replaces Olivier Mugabo Nizeyimana who stepped down from the club’s top position in June last year to take over the football governing body (FERWAFA)’s office as president, a position he has held since late June.

Eugene Sakindi, who has been interim president since Mugabo’s departure, will continue to be club vice-president.

Source: rnewtimes

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The Tour du Rwanda 2022 Eritrean cycling team has been dropped by Covid-19-infected members.

The race will take place between February 20 and 27, 2012.

In an exclusive interview with Times SportAbdallah Murenzi (President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation) stated that the Union Cycliste Internationale has established guidelines that require everyone participating in the race to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

He also noted that in Rwanda, the national policy states that all participants to events must comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.

“As usual, Eritrea had to send its professional riders to participate in the Tour du Rwanda. But this time around, they had engagements at club level, and therefore, the Eritrean officials decided to go for the local riders, only to find out that they were not vaccinated,” Murenzi explained.

“They emailed us and informed us that they would not participate. We are currently looking at whether Eritrea could be replaced by another team. However, this will require a lot of effort because there are a lot of requirements,” he said.

Eritrea is a team that has performed well in Tour du Rwanda in past editions. They will be missed in 2022 edition.

In 2010, Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot won the nine-stage tour of Rwanda in 29 hours, 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

Merhawi Kudus was the first man to win Tour du Rwanda 2019 under the UCI2.1 category.

2020: Natnael Tsfazion became third Eritrean to win the Tour du Rwanda.

Rwandans love cycling and were chosen to host 2025 Road World Championships. It is the first African nation to win the event.

Tour du Rwanda 2022:

Israel Start-Up Nation (Israel),Total-Direct Energie (France), B&B Hotels (France), Team Novo Nordisk (USA), Androni-Giocatolli (Italy), Burgos-BH (Spain), Benediction Cycling Team (Rwanda), Pro Touch Team (South Africa), Bike Aid (Germany),TSG Terengganu (Malaysia), Team Coop (Norway), Wildlife Generation Pro (USA), Team SKS Sauerland NRW (Germany), Tarteletto-Isorex (Belgium)

National Teams: Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco, Great Britain

Rwanda will be represented by both the national cycling team as well as Benediction Cycling.

Stages

Stage 1: Kigali Arena – Kigali Arena (4 km ITT).

Stage 2: Kigali–Rwamagana (148km)

Stage 3: Kigali to Ruvavu (152km)

Stage 4: Kigali-Gicumbi (124km)

Stage 5: Muhanga-Musanze (124km)

Stage 6: Musanze-Kigali Convention Center (152km)

Stage 7: Kigali-Mont Kigali (152km)

Stage 8: Kigali Canal Olympia-Kigali Canal Olympia (75km)

Source: rnewtimes

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