Burundian champions Urunani BBC have appointed Patriots Basketball Club head coach Sunny Niyomugabo as assistant coach ahead of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2027 qualifiers. Urunani are strengthening both their technical bench and playing squad as they prepare to face top clubs from across the continent.
The 2027 BAL qualifiers for the East Division, Group D, are scheduled for October 23 to 26, 2026, at Hoima City Arena in Uganda. Niyomugabo joins Urunani after a strong season with Patriots in Rwanda, a stint with Rwanda's U-18 national team, and international experience with RSSB Tigers BBC at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
The 35-year-old was named coach of the year for the 2026 Rwanda Basketball League season after leading Patriots deep into the finals. He has also served on the coaching staff for Rwanda's national team during FIBA World Cup qualifiers. At Urunani, he will work alongside head coach Elvis Hakizimana "Gafyisi."
Urunani have also added American point guard Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs and Rwanda Basketball League MVP Kennedy Chingka Garba, both of whom played for Patriots under Niyomugabo.
