Espoir set to retain 2013 Basketball league

Espoir basketball club seen playing against APR this season

DEFENDING champions Espoir is set to be crowned 2013 national basketball league champions on Sunday when they face Rusizi in the final match of the season.

The Nyamirambo-based team has won all their 12 league games to remain the only unbeaten team since last season’s league.

They could make 13 straight wins, a record for any Rwandan league champions if they win they beat Rusizi on Saturday but will be declared champions regardless of any result.

After playing twelve matches, Jean Bahufite’s team has 24 points, five head of second-placed Kigali Basketball Club and and Rusizi. Espoir could amass 26 points for a win or 25 points if they lose the final match.

In the last couple of years, Espoir, who were a major force in the 90s and early 2000s, struggled to compete with the big teams APR, CSK and KBC, but they recovered and starting winning after making major signings in early 2012.

Being victors on the local scene, the Rafiki-based club will represent Rwanda in next year Zone Five tournament and Africa Club Basketball Championships.

Espoir set to retain 2013 Basketball league