Kepler BBC explained

Kepler Basketball Club is a Rwandan 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.

History

The over 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. 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.

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

The team plays at an outdoor court at the college but has started building a 1,500-seater indoor hall in 2024.

References

1. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2023-11-15 . Inside Kepler’s huge basketball ambitions . 2024-08-09 . The New Times . en.
2. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2023-10-06 . A look at the two new teams in Rwanda Basketball League . 2024-08-09 . The New Times . en.
3. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2024-02-01 . Mugabe bids farewell to Patriots . 2024-02-05 . The New Times . en.
4. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2023-12-04 . Basketball: Experienced Mandy Juruni appointed Kepler head coach . 2024-01-01 . The New Times . en.
5. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2024-04-13 . Basketball: Nijimbere joins Kepler . 2024-04-18 . The New Times . en.
6. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2024-02-18 . Basketball: Kepler register first league win over crisis-hit Kigali Titans . 2024-08-09 . The New Times . en.
7. Web site: Sikubwabo . Damas . 2024-09-05 . Betpawa playoffs: APR, Patriots set date for finals . 2024-09-07 . The New Times . en.

Season by season

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		Lost finals (Inspired Generation)	–	Rene Sabahu
2024	1	RBL	4th	18	10	8		Lost semifinals (Patriots) 0–3	Quarterfinalist (RC)	Mandy Juruni
Regular season record				26	18	8		0 regular season champions
Playoffs record				3	0	3

External links

• Kepler Sports at Instagram