Yves Murenzi leads a revamped technical team as Rwanda prepares for the African qualifiers in Tunisia.
A fortnight ago, the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) announced a new technical bench that will guide the men’s national basketball team during the 2027 FIBA World Cup African qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tunisia from November 27 to 30.
The four-day qualifying tournament will see eight teams from Groups A and C compete for six slots in the decisive third round of the African qualifiers. According to FIBA Africa, Tunisia will host the first qualification window for these two groups.
Rwanda has been placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Guinea, and Tunisia, while Group A includes Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, and Cape Verde. The national team secured its spot in the qualifiers after finishing among the top 16 teams at AfroBasket 2025, held in Angola from August 12 to 24.
Following the departure of Senegalese coach Cheikh Sarr, who mutually left the role in September, FERWABA has appointed a new coaching staff led by Yves Murenzi to take charge of the team during the World Cup qualifiers.
Yves Murenzi – Head Coach
Murenzi brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as head coach of United Generation Basketball (UGB) from 2013 to 2025. He has also coached Rwanda’s U16 and U18 national teams since 2017. Since 2021, he has been part of the senior national team’s technical staff as an assistant coach, notably guiding the team to a bronze medal at the 2023 AfroCan tournament.
Sunny Niyomugabo – First Assistant Coach
Niyomugabo, 35, is currently the head coach of the Patriots, a position he transitioned to in 2023 after serving as an assistant coach. He is recognized as one of the most promising coaches in Rwanda’s basketball scene, thanks to his impressive coaching skills during his first season as head coach. Niyomugabo has a rich playing history, having represented several local clubs and the national team at various FIBA tournaments.
Kenny Gasana – Second Assistant Coach
Gasana, 40, joins the coaching staff while continuing his playing career at the club level. He first represented Rwanda in 2009 at the FIBA AfroBasket Championship, where he became the team’s top scorer. Gasana has been a key figure in Rwandan basketball for over a decade, captaining the national team during the FIBA World Cup 2023 qualifiers and leading the squad at the 2023 AfroBasket.
Aristide Mugabe – Third Assistant Coach
Mugabe is currently a player-coach with Kepler Basketball Club and has been appointed as the third assistant coach on the national team’s new technical bench. He made his international debut in 2011 during the AfroBasket qualifiers and has been a cornerstone of the national team, captaining Rwanda from 2013 to 2019.
As the national team prepares for the upcoming qualifiers, the new coaching staff is expected to bring fresh strategies and insights to enhance Rwanda’s performance on the continental stage. The team aims to build on its recent successes and make a strong showing in Tunisia.
Key Points
- FERWABA announces new coaching staff for FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
- Yves Murenzi appointed as head coach, with a strong background in youth coaching.
- Sunny Niyomugabo and Kenny Gasana join as assistant coaches, bringing valuable experience.
- Rwanda placed in Group C with Nigeria, Guinea, and Tunisia for the qualifiers.
- The qualifiers will take place in Tunisia from November 27 to 30.
Sources: Who’s who on Rwanda’s new coaching staff for FIBA World Cup qualifiers
