Burundi–Basketball: Urunani, a glorious past and limitless ambition for the future

Urunani are unquestionably the best team in Burundi right now. Reigning national champions, they have won almost everything this year. Based since their founding in the Bwiza-Jabe district, a modest neighbourhood of Bujumbura's city council area, that identity is the strength of the club. All the young people from the district and from neighbouring Nyakabiga dream of playing for Urunani. They are coached by former players and form Urunani's talent pool. Every year, youngsters trained at the club are promoted to the first division to support the older players and take over from them.

A big-spending recruitment drive

Urunani's best players at present are team captain Landry Ndikumana, Malick Ngezahayo and Gibert Nijimbere. They are the undisputed leaders at the club, and their contribution to the titles Urunani win is beyond question. But to be competitive at continental level, Urunani have signed internationally rated players who will be used in the Elite 16. They are Adjehi Nonma Baru (Ivorian), Adonis Jovon Filer (Rwandan-American) and Timajh Parker-Rivera (American-Puerto Rican).

These signings were made so that Urunani can reach their goal of playing in the final phase of the BAL, which will be held in May 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. But to get there, they must first come through the Elite 16 East division stage, which is fast approaching (22 to 27 November in Johannesburg, South Africa). Urunani have been drawn in Group A alongside Cape Town Tigers, NBA Academy and Kenya Port Authority.

The club have also spared no expense in hiring an experienced coach, Joseba Garcia. Having worked in Portugal, Venezuela and Mozambique, the Spaniard has already shown his know-how in just the two weeks he has spent with Urunani.

Urunani can boast considerable financial resources, which allow them to invest in recruitment and in the salaries of players and staff. The club is largely funded by its supporters and, of course, by its committee, made up of prominent businessmen. Urunani also count on their partners, including the Banque burundaise pour le commerce et l'investissement (BBCI).

Désiré Hatungimana