Kepler Basketball Club is a Rwandan semi-professional basketball team based in Kigali that is managed by the non-profit educational institution Kepler. Their men's team plays in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) since the 2024 season.
| Kepler | |
|---|---|
| League | Rwanda Basketball League |
| Founded | 2022 |
| History | Kepler BBC (2022–present) |
| Arena | Kepler University Court |
| Location | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Team colors | Green and Blue |
| CEO | Nathalie Munyampenda |
| Head coach | Mandy Juruni |
| Ownership | Kepler |
History
editThe 1,000-student large non-profit education institution Kepler started its basketball program in 2023, mixing the team with both students and professional players.[1] Nathalie Munyampenda was appointed as the club's CEO.[1] In their debut season under Rene Sabahu[2] in the men's Rwanda Basketball League Division 2, they were promoted following a second place finish in the 2023 season.[2]
They acquired all-time legendary player Aristide Mugabe for their inaugural RBL season,[3] and also signed the successful Ugandan coach Mandy Juruni, who came over from BAL club City Oilers.[4] Kepler then went on to sign Guibert Nijimbere, a Burundi national team guard, for the upcoming season as well.[5] Their first league win came on February 18, when they defeated the Kigali Titans at home.[6] Kepler finished the 2024 season in fourth place, and played in the playoffs, in which they lost in the semifinals to Patriots.[7]
Arena
editThe team plays at an outdoor court at the college but is planning to construct a 1,500-seater indoor hall by 2024.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Sikubwabo, Damas (15 November 2023). "Inside Kepler's huge basketball ambitions". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ a b Sikubwabo, Damas (6 October 2023). "A look at the two new teams in Rwanda Basketball League". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (1 February 2024). "Mugabe bids farewell to Patriots". The New Times. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (4 December 2023). "Basketball: Experienced Mandy Juruni appointed Kepler head coach". The New Times. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (13 April 2024). "Basketball: Nijimbere joins Kepler". The New Times. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (18 February 2024). "Basketball: Kepler register first league win over crisis-hit Kigali Titans". The New Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ Sikubwabo, Damas (5 September 2024). "Betpawa playoffs: APR, Patriots set date for finals". The New Times. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
Season by season
edit| Playoffs berth |
| Season | Tier | League | Regular season | Post-season | Cup competitions | Head coach | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Played | Wins | Losses | Win % | ||||||||
| Kepler | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2 | RBL D2 | 1st (Group D) | 8 | 8 | 0 | 1.000 | Lost finals (Inspired Generation) | – | Rene Sabahu | ||
| 2024 | 1 | RBL | 4th | 18 | 10 | 8 | .556 | Lost semifinals (Patriots) 0–3 | Quarterfinalist (RC) | Mandy Juruni | ||
| Regular season record | 26 | 18 | 8 | .692 | 0 regular season champions | |||||||
| Playoffs record | 3 | 0 | 3 | .000 | ||||||||