Rwanda Basketball News: Tigers land Tarke, Super Cup tips off, Boissy Joins Al Ahly

Tigers Basketball Club have stepped up their preparations for the 2026 Rwanda Basketball League season with the signing of American shooting guard Anthony Tarke on a season-long deal.

The 28-year-old arrives with solid experience from the NBA G League, having previously featured for the Long Island Nets, and adds depth and versatility to the Tigers roster.

At collegiate level, Tarke played for NJIT Highlanders, UTEP Miners, and Coppin State Eagles, where he enjoyed his most successful spell.

During the 2020–21 season, he was named MEAC Player of the Year, underlining his scoring ability and overall impact. 

Standing at 1.98 metres, Tarke is known for his all-round game, combining accurate perimeter shooting with aggressive drives to the basket, while also contributing defensively through rebounds, steals, and blocks.

At Tigers, Tarke will link up with fellow American Antino Jackson, who joined the club in the offseason after playing a key role in APR’s 2025 league championship triumph.

His arrival forms part of an ambitious recruitment drive as Tigers aim to mount a stronger title challenge after finishing fifth last season, despite ending the campaign on a high by lifting the Rwanda Cup.

Other new additions to the Tigers squad include Steven Hagumintwari, Bruno Nyamwasa, Olivier Shyaka, and Kenyan-American guard Albert Odero.

The club has also moved to retain key experience by extending the contracts of four senior players: Center Pitchou Manga, point guard Lars Ishimwe, shooting guard Herve Ikishatse, and small forward Fiston Irutingabo.

Off the court, Tigers have strengthened their technical bench with the appointment of Kenny Gasana as assistant coach, working alongside head coach Henry Mwinuka.

As Tigers build momentum, attention now turns to the second edition of the Rwanda Super Cup, which the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) has confirmed will take place on February 6. The Super Cup will serve as the official curtain-raiser for the 2026 basketball season.

Introduced following the 2023 FERWABA General Assembly, the Super Cup pits the national league champions against the Rwanda Cup winners in a one-off showdown.

In the men’s category, reigning league champions APR will face Rwanda Cup holders Tigers.

APR lifted the 2025 league title, while Tigers claimed the domestic cup.

 In the women’s category, REG will take on APR, with REG entering the contest after completing a domestic double by winning both the league title and the Rwanda Cup. APR finished runners-up in the cup competition.

Both Super Cup matches will be played in a single-game format over 40 minutes, divided into four quarters.

The men’s and women’s league seasons are scheduled to tip off two days later, on February 8.

Meanwhile, Senegalese point guard Jean Jacques Boissy has completed a high-profile move to Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi ahead of the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.

Boissy joins Benghazi following a remarkable 2025 BAL campaign in which he was named Most Valuable Player while playing for Al Ahly Tripoli.

Boissy previously featured for Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the Rwanda Basketball League and also gained experience in the United States, appearing briefly with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025 NBA Summer League before turning out for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League.

He has since established himself as one of Africa’s elite guards.

The Senegalese star played a pivotal role in Al Ahly Tripoli’s 2025 BAL title triumph, as the Libyan side defeated Petro de Luanda 88–67 in the final held in Pretoria, South Africa.

Boissy made history by becoming the first Senegalese player to win both the BAL championship and the MVP award.

He also finished the Finals as the top scorer, averaging 18.9 points per game, and earned a place on the All-Defensive First Team.

Boissy was also part of the AS Douanes squad that finished runners-up in the 2022 BAL, further underlining his pedigree on the continental stage as he prepares for a new challenge with Al Ahly Benghazi.

Photos

Anthony Tarke

Boissy Jean Jacques