The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) has lifted the suspensions of APR Basketball Club players Ntore Habimana and Mpoyo Axel Olenga, ending disciplinary sanctions imposed over their failure to report for Rwanda’s national basketball team.
FERWABA Suspends Ntore Habimana and Axel Olenga Mpoyo for One Year
https://eastafrica.media/sports/ferwaba-suspends-ntore-habimana-and-axel-olenga-mpoyo-for-one-year/: FERWABA Lifts Suspensions of APR Basketball Players After Apology
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FERWABA said the decision followed the receipt and review of formal letters of apology from the two players and APR Basketball Club, as well as a meeting held between the federation and the club on 8 July 2026.
The federation said it accepted the apologies and decided to reinstate the players with immediate effect after considering corrective measures taken by APR Basketball Club and the players’ renewed commitment to represent the national team whenever called upon.
FERWABA said the players had pledged to honor future national team call-ups and faithfully fulfill their responsibilities while representing Rwanda.
The suspensions had been imposed after the players failed to report for international duty, a move the federation viewed as a breach of its regulations governing national team participation.
In its latest statement, FERWABA reiterated that representing Rwanda is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Representing Rwanda is a privilege that demands patriotism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to place national interest above all else,” the federation said.
The decision brings an end to a dispute that had attracted significant attention within Rwanda’s basketball community, with many calling for dialogue between the federation and APR Basketball Club.
The reinstatement means both Habimana and Olenga are now eligible to represent Rwanda again in future international competitions, subject to selection by the national team coaching staff.
