THE last time Axel Mpoyo stepped onto the floor at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, he delivered one of the defining performances of Season 5 of the BAL; an electric 8-for-9 shooting display from beyond the arc to secure APR BBC and Rwanda’s first-ever BAL podium finish.
It was a masterclass that had Tracy McGrady on his feet on the sidelines, as the arena buzzed with an energy that felt far bigger than a third-place game. For a moment, it felt as though Rwanda had won it all.
But beyond the spectacle, it signalled something deeper: a nation beginning to understand how to compete, and succeed, on this stage.
In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Mpoyo shared that his recent performance was more than just about the numbers. He said, “That game was one where I found a great rhythm, and everything was going in. I have to thank my teammates for getting me the ball in the right spots.”
He added, “It meant a lot for Rwanda. We showed that we can play at a high level. It gave our fans hope that we can make an impact in this tournament.”
This moment set the stage for a season in which APR BBC could get closer to the number one spot, building on last year’s progress and proving that Rwanda can compete at the top level.
A Season Built for One Goal
Coming into the new season, APR BBC appeared to be a team with unfinished business. Fresh off a Rwandan league title, the organisation made significant signings, moves that pointed clearly toward one ambition: to win the Basketball Africa League and bring the trophy home to Kigali. But just weeks before that vision could materialise, everything changed. APR BBC withdrew from the competition.
In its place came the RSSB Tigers; a new identity, but with familiar faces. Head coach James Maye transitioned into the Tigers’ setup, alongside a core of APR players, including Mpoyo. The sudden shift raised questions. About continuity. About preparation. And disrupted momentum. For Mpoyo, the experience was as abrupt as it was challenging. “It wasn’t easy, it caught me off guard, but it was out of our control,” said Mpoyo. Yet, within that uncertainty, there was clarity.
“In this sport and in life, things happen. You’ve got to be ready to adjust and stay ready,” he intimated.
Representing Rwanda
When the opportunity arose to remain in the Basketball Africa League through the RSSB Tigers, the decision for Axel Mpoyo and several of his former teammates was rooted in something deeper than circumstance.
“First and foremost, representing Rwanda was a big part of our decision, and getting the chance to play in the BAL… We don’t take that for granted.”
It speaks to a broader sense of purpose, one that extends beyond club allegiances. For APR’s core, this served as a way for Rwanda to preserve continuity, identity and ambition, which is crucial as the BAL continues to grow exponentially and pivots towards establishing franchises.
“This league is going to be one of the best in the world.” And Rwanda is intent on growing with it.
Shared Foundations, Aligned Vision
Despite the team change, much of APR’s influence remains embedded within the Tigers. The carryover is not just in personnel, but in mindset. “We just bring that championship mentality, that intensity, that togetherness,” said Mpoyo.
That foundation, built through APR’s run to a podium finish last season, has helped accelerate RSSB’s adjustment to the BAL stage. It has also shaped how the group approaches pressure, preparation, and expectations.
Equally important has been the blend of leadership on the sidelines. Former APR head coach James Maye has joined forces with RSSB’s Henry Mwinuka, creating a dual-coaching dynamic that has, so far, delivered balance rather than friction.
“They complement each other well; they both understand the game at a high level and can relate to players,” he says. It’s a partnership that mirrors the team itself, with different backgrounds and a shared vision.
Chemistry Under Pressure Silencing Doubt
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the RSSB Tigers’ start is how they quickly fused and find themselves 2-0 in the Kalahari Conference. With limited preparation time, their cohesion has had less to do with structure and focused more on shared understanding. “The chemistry is growing every day. We didn’t have a lot of time, but we’re all on the same page,” said Mpoyo.
In a short time, the team has established an identity rooted in trust, resilience, and accountability. “We’ve got each other’s backs, there’s no pressure. We’re going to make mistakes, but we pick each other up.”
That internal clarity has created freedom on the court and an environment where players are encouraged to play instinctively and without hesitation.
“When everybody can be themselves and play freely, it helps the team go further.”
And that freedom has translated directly into performance, which was evident in the statement win over Petro de Luanda, where the Tigers battled until the final moments to secure an 82–78 victory, an indicator of both their resilience and collective belief. If there were any lingering doubts about Rwanda’s presence in Season 6, RSSB’s opening games have answered them emphatically with two wins, built on cohesion and collective execution, from a team that looks far more settled than its circumstances would suggest.
Adaptability as Identity
For Mpoyo, the approach to the season is measured, his goals simple and grounded. “I’m just taking it game by game and trying to be as consistent as I can,” he said. “Everybody has the same goal: to keep the trophy in Kigali.”
It’s a goal tied to something bigger than basketball, a sense of pride that runs deeper than the court. “It’s been a blessing to represent Rwanda, and I don’t take it for granted.” Those early performances have only reinforced the belief within the group. “It felt really good and showed us what we can do if we play together,” reflected Mpoyo. “It gave us confidence. We know we have a lot more work to do, but we have the potential to make a run.”
Through the highs of last season and the uncertainty of this one, Mpoyo has discovered something fundamental, not just about the game, but about himself: “I’ve learned that I can adjust to multiple situations.”
In a tournament defined by change, that adaptability has become both his and the team’s defining identity.
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