That Eye Media Agency

 Before his upcoming participation in the 2024 NBA summer league, the Rwandan basketball coach Igor Mugisha has shared some of the his expectations he has for the showpiece that will take place from July 12^th – 22^nd in Las Vegas, USA.

Igor Mugisha (left) ©️ Igihe

Mugisha’s role will be closely to collaborating coaching staff to develop young players, especially rookies and second-year players, helping them adjust to the NBA’s pace and enhance their understanding of the game.

He will be on defensive principles, including transition defence, rim protection, ball pressure, and rebounding.

Mugisha began his basketball journey as a player for the APR Basketball Club, where he played from 2007 to 2014 and contributed to the team’s multiple championship victories, including winning the FERWABA League, Gisembe Memorial, Heroes Tournament, Kenyatta Day Tournament, and Zone V Club Championships.

His coaching career has taken him to APR Basketball Club as a deputy coach as well as the national basketball team.

 Rwandan international Goalie Fiacre Ntwari is set for Kaizer Chiefs medical as Kameelrivier based side TS Galaxy agrred to sell him at an alleged fee of $300,000.

The Chiefs that have been for a long time searching for a frisky shot stopper, settled for Ntwari as he was among the best goalkeepers in the South African DSTV Premier League for the 2023/24 season although he only played in the second round and in the cup games.

Ntwari Fiacre in one of TS Galaxy's games ©️ FAR Post

 Through the Mauritanian forward Mamadou Sy’s only goal, Rwandan champions APR FC secured a win over El – Merreikh Bentiu, advancing interests into the CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals.

In a match that begun at 2000hrs CAT at the Chamazi Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam, saw APR FC steadily attacking with the South Sudan side solely defending. The 45 minutes concluded with a 0-0 score despite the Rwandan army side continuous attacks.

APR's Niyomugabo dribbles past El- Merreikh player ©️ Umuseke

Photo by ©️ Umuseke

On the 77^th minute APR made one more substitution, with Victor Mbaoma leaving the pitch and Dauda coming in to defend the goal scored.

APR’s Darko Navic tactics led to harvest as his boys understood him, maintaining the lead to advance in the next round of the tournament as the army side obtained 6 points in two games.

The Rwandan side will return on Monday, 15^th 1200hrs in clash with Uganda’s SC Villa as El- Merreikh will play Singida Big Stars. APR is required to at least draw in the third match to secure a place in the semi-finals while SC Villa is required to win.

President Kagame greets APR FC players before a friendly match against Police FC at the inauguration of Amahoro stadium ©️ New Times

Rwandan Army side APR beat their rivals Police FC 1-0 on Monday, July 1 to win the Amahoro Stadium inauguration trophy with presence of Rwandan President, Paul Kagame and CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

The crunch tie, which poked Rwanda’s 2023/24 league champions against 2023 Peace Cup winners, took place as part of the inauguration of the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium before thousands of spectators.

Moments during the APR - Police clash ©️ New Times

"The boys need credit because they worked hard to win this game. I am happy with the way the players applied themselves on the field. The showed their character and mentality of winning and they have done what I wanted, so I am very happy and I am looking forward to seeing them to do more," the Serbian told the press in a post-match interview.

Darko Novic, APR head coach ©️ New Times

APR’s Gilbert Mugisha became the first player to find the back of the net at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium as his first half strike spared the army side to the victory at the expense of Police FC’s Vincent Mashami’s charges and Novic was of full praise for the winger, who he said could have better than he did.

“Gilbert was fresh today and he showed he causes a lot of problems for the opposing team. He could have scored two more goals in the second half,” he said.

Now, APR are to be turning their concentration on the forthcoming CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 that will take place in Tanzania from July 6^th to 22^nd.

 APR FC new manager Darko Novic will face his first test on Tuesday, July 9^th as he looks to lead his men against emerging Tanzanian powerhouse Singida Big Stars in Group C opening match of the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup at the  Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) Stadium.

The Tanzanians have been a threat to APR over the years as they beat the Rwandan army side 2-1 in the same competition on June 29^th 2018. The same side, earlier this year on January 1^st came from behind to thrash the Rwandan champions 3-1 in the Mapinduzi Cupin Zanzibar.

APR FC take on Singida Black Stars on Tuesday, July 9 ©️ Kigali Today

Singida, on the other hand, finished 11^th in the Tanzanian Premier League for the 2023/24 season. The team recently employed former Simba coach Patrick Aussems as their new head coach and he is eager to bring their fruitful years back.

The Rwandan Champions looks formidable on paper with Singida starting favorites considering their recent results against the Lions in the probable great game.

On Saturday 15^th June 2024, Rwanda Defence Force’s football team APR, played a friendly match against Rayon Sport at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium ending in a goalless draw.

Photo ©️ New Times

Photo ©️ New Times

Two minutes just after that, Elie Kategaya twisted and turned Isaac Mitima but saw his final delivery lacking the needed finish as it went off target.

Yenga again with a glaring chance in the 11^th minute to put the Bahead but he failed to connect the ball into the net following a line cross from Elie Ganijuru with Pierre Ishimwe already beaten.

Rayon skipper Kevin Muhire who looked unplayable in midfield, missed the post by inches after creating space for himself around the 18-yard box in the 20th minute.

APR decided to soak pressure as Rayon did all the attacking. Coach Thierry Hitimana, who was on APR touchline, brought on Ramadhan Niyibizi for Elie Kategeya in the 28th minute in an attempt to add more bite to his attack.

Charles Bbaale crushed a ferocious free kick into the post in the 28th minute before Muhire also had an effort saved by APR shot stopper Pierre Ishimwe in the 35th minute.

The first half ended with the scores at 0-0 though Rayon Sport had created numerous goal scoring chances.

The second half saw the Blues continuing their dominance, pinning APR to their own half.

Bbaale saw his effort from Muhire’s corner kick in the 53rd minute being cleared off the line by Yunnusu Nshimiyimana who went down injured.

APR were mostly effective on the wings where Gilbert Mugisha and Alain Kwitonda Bacca operated as they used the pace and artistry of the duo to great effect.

Mugisha made way for Arsene Tuyisenge in the 76th minute as the former Rayon Sports player faced his former employers.

Rayon had the chance to break the deadlock in the 77th minute after an extraordinary pass from Muhire but Goalkeeper Ishimwe cleared before it reached Bbaale.

APR became very resolute at the back with Nshimiyimana putting the brakes on Rayon defense with great piece of defending.

Rayon Sports kept pressing but they could not find the back of the net as the game ended goalless.

 On Thursday, June 13^th 2024, Mount Kigali University had the privilege to host the diplomat which marked an event of immense bilateral moments for both the embassy and university.

HE Hazza Mohammed Falah Kharsan AlQahtani’s visit was in line with youth empowerment and recognition of exceptional students’ projects, including the ‘Smart Home’ and ‘Building A Greener Tomorrow’ projects. The projects showcased innovation and commitment to sustainability for a greener living environment. The diplomat emphasized on how the future belonged to the imaginative.

H.E Hazza Alqahtani speaking to the students and staff of Mount Kigali University

“The future belongs to those who can imagine and execute it. It’s not something you wait for, but rather create.”

Mugisha Junior Fredy whose team’s project stood out for its innovative approach to sustainable living as it focused on smart technology and eco-friendly solutions. The projects calls for a clear vision for a future where homes and buildings are not just living structures but active contributors to a healthier planet.

Ambassador Alqahtani with MKUR staff and the winner of the best innovative project

Beyond the awards, students had an opportunity to engage with HE Hazza Mohammed by asking questions bringing an exchange of ideas.

DVC ARA Dr Nkechi (left), and H.E Alqahtani awarding Uwase Novella (middle) as one of the best performing students

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to H.E. Hazza Mohammed for visiting us and hope this yields fruitful discussions concerning youth empowerment.”

The visit called for strengthening the relationship between the university and embassy in promoting a collaborative environment that empowers the youth and incentivises innovation.

The legendary state-of-the-art Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda that has been undergoing face-lifting works for the last 22 months, making it ready to now host big games.

Refurbishments works on the previously 25,000 seater complex started in August 2022 by the Turkish Global construction company SUMMA, uplifting its seating capacity to 45,000 seats. SUMMA also constructed the majestic up and running BK Arena.

The interior view of the renovated Amahoro Stadium ©️ New Times Rwanda

The ultramodern facility that is at a 96% completion progress is expected to host the 2024 Veterans Club World Championship slated for September 1-10, attracting over 100 football legends including legendary Ronaldinho and George Weah.

The exterior view of the renovated Amahoro Stadium ©️ That Eye

 Real Madrid sign France forward, Kylian Mbappe on free transfer after Paris Saint-Germain contract expiry.

The 25-year-old, who is PSG's record goalscorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, has signed a five-year contract at the Bernabeu worth €15m (£12.8m) a year after tax.

A one-line statement from the European champions announcing Mbappe's arrival said: "Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons."

The 2018 World Cup winner joins just two days after Carlo Ancelotti's side won their 15th Champions League title to clinch the double, having also been crowned LaLiga champions. The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Mbappe and tried to sign him in 2022, but the forward committed to a new two-year deal at the Parc des Princes.

He will receive a signing-on bonus of just over £85m from Real, who will pay the fee in instalments over the duration of his contract.

As boss Carlo Ancelotti hoisted the giant trophy for a fifth time, Real won it for the 15th, the bold challenge of Borussia Dortmund overcome at Wembley with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Real stumbled around in a dreadful first-half performance, spooked by Dortmund's pace and intensity, living on their nerves as they somehow got to half-time level.

As Real are the Champions League's ruthless winning machine, with Ancelotti, they have a coach with the Midas touch, in charge of players who know how to get the job done.

They showed it again when Dortmund blinked 16 minutes from time, Carvajal meeting Toni Kroos' corner to glance a header beyond keeper Gregor Kobel and the hand of defender Mats Hummels, tempted to risk a red card to keep the effort out.

The game was up. Vinicius Jr swiftly added a second to ensure Real's supporters were able to enjoy triumph in the competition in which they are the dominant force.

The temptation is to label Real lucky, but it happens on too many occasions for this to be a justified description. A Wembley straw poll among neutrals at half-time would have come down firmly on the side of a Real victory.

©️ Anadolu Ajansi

German giants, Bayern Munich have appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The 38-year-old Belgian comes in as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel and leaves Burnley for the Bundesliga side in an agreement that saw the two clubs allowing a compensation fee that is believed to be £10.2m.

Kompany, who retired from playing in 2020, joined the Clarets from Belgian side, Anderlecht in 2022 and later signing a five-year contract extension last year.

He won the Championship with Burnley in 2022-23, but the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League this season after finishing 19^th.

There has been no announcement about whether Kompany's backroom team, including assistant manager Craig Bellamy, will join him in Germany.

Vincent Kompany ©️ Arab News

Jude Bellingham has been named La Liga player of the season after a wonderful first year at Santiago Bernabeu.

The 20-year-old England national played a vital role as Carlo Ancelotti’s boys claimed their 36^th Spanish title, scoring 19 goals and adding six assists in the top flight as Madrid finished 10 points ahead of the Catalan rivals (Barca).

The award is voted for by fans, club captains and a panel of experts and they opted for Bellingham ahead of the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Vinicius Jnr, Girona’s Artem Dovbyk and Barca’s Robert Lewandowski.

Having left Dortmund for the Spanish giants last summer, the England international has one more key game to play for Madrid this season in Saturday’s Champions League final against his former club at Wembley.

Jurgen Klopp will soon depart Merseyside as a permanent resident, having taken in his final days in the area after leaving his position as Liverpool manager.

The 56-year-old do so in rare circumstances, choosing to leave rather than being forced out, which allowed for an emotional farewell at Anfield and then, on Tuesday, the M&S Bank Arena.

During the hour-long Q&A in front of over 11,000 supporters, Klopp discussed his time at the club, how he changed the culture and mentioned againg his reason for leaving.

Even though Klopp’s time at Anfield has to come to an end, he will still be tied to Liverpool as an ambassador for the club and its LFC Foundation.

Klopp’s role as ambassador for the LFC Foundation will undoubtedly lead to appearances at certain events, and perhaps even as part of LFC Legends charity matches. 

 Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are expected to fly to Spain today to seek negotiations for a deal to bring Enzo Maresca to Stamford Bridge.

It is said that there has been initial contact between Chelsea and Maresca but nothing has been agreed on just yet. The Italian has been spotted as the club’s first choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino following his departure a week ago.

The Blues are alleged to have been impressed with how Maresca has presented himself thus far. The 44-year old’s style of play at Leicester City during their Championship-winning 2023/24 season, is another contributing key factor in all of this with Italian’s approach clearly influenced by Pep Guardiola – a man he worked under at Etihad.

Previously, Pochettino was given a two-year contract when he was appointed head coach, with the option of a further 12 months. Chelsea are effectively going 'all in' on Maresca, who they believe to be the final piece of the jigsaw to get the club competing at the very top once again.

It looks as if the Blues have found their man, though, in Maresca. All being well for the Blues and the Italian will pen a five-year contract with the club.

After Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave the German giants, Bayern Munich are set to hire Belgian manager Vincent Kompany to fill the vacancy. Kompany who is coming off of a disappointing campaign with Burnley that saw them finish 19^th in the English Premier League, being relegated back back to the Championship.

Spending time coaching Belgian’s Anderlecht and Burnley, Kompany’s potential lies in his preferred 4-2-3-1 style that has been dynamic with his biggest honor winning the English Championship as a manger.

With the presence of Bayer Leverkusen, who have grown into a force under Xabi Alonso, none of that would be easy for Kompany but this would be an appointment that shows how much Bayern's name has fallen.

It’s alleged that the Bundesliga giants have finally come to an end as they are closing in on appointing Kompany as their next head coach with a signing fee estimated between €10 million (£8m/$11m) - €12m (£10m/$13m) to Burnley to secure the services of Kompany until 2027.