RSSB Tigers made history on Sunday at BK Arena, becoming the first Rwandan team to win the Basketball Africa League (BAL) title after edging Petro de Luanda 90–88 in a thrilling 2026 final.
The victory also marked RSSB Tigers’ second win over the Angolan giants this season.
For years, Rwanda has invested heavily in basketball hosting BAL competitions, building world-class facilities, nurturing talent and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading destinations for the sport.
RSSB Tigers head coach Henry Mwinuka won 2026 BAL Coach of the year , he led the team to a 4-1 record and first place finish in the Kalahari Conference group phase before leading the team to its first BAL Championship. Mwinuka is the first Tanzanian to win the award.
Mwinuka had previously achieved domestic dominance in Rwanda with the Patriots BBC and Rwanda Energy Group, as well as earlier coaching experience in Tanzania with the University of Dar es Salaam Basketball Club, Savio Basketball Club, and Pazi,
The 50-year-old is the fifth winner of the BAL Coach of the Year award since it was introduced in the 2022 season.
Previous winners include José Neto (Petro de Luanda, 2022), Mamadou Pabi Gueye (AS Douanes, 2023), Ogoh Odaudu (Rivers Hoopers, 2024), and Abou Chacra (Al Ahly Tripoli, 2025)
RSSB Tigers center Mangok Mathiang received The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy after helping his team to a 7-2 record and recording per game averages of 16 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.
Al Ahly Ly point guard Mohamed Sadi received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
