The Hoops Rwanda have withdrawn from the 2026 Rwanda Cup after a dispute with the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) over the eligibility of star player Feza Ebengo Isomi.
The club pulled out of the women’s competition after FERWABA did not allow Ebengo to play despite the club saying it had previously obtained authorization for her to feature in the tournament.
In a letter to FERWABA, The Hoops Rwanda said it felt unfairly treated over the decision and questioned the consistency and transparency of the regulations governing player eligibility.
The club said its decision to withdraw was not intended to harm any player or competing team, but was instead aimed at seeking equal treatment, transparency, consistent application of the rules and respect for competition regulations.
The Hoops also raised concerns about the rights of clubs, including the right to observe and practice their religious beliefs, saying these principles should be respected in the management of basketball competitions.
The dispute emerged after Feza Ebengo was left off the list of players eligible to compete for The Hoops in the Rwanda Cup.
The Congolese forward had played for The Hoops during the 2025/26 Rwanda Basketball League season and was one of the team’s key players. She helped the club reach the league playoff final against REG Women BBC.
Ebengo had an outstanding individual season, winning the regular-season MVP award, the league’s top-scorer award and the award for most rebounds. She finished the regular season with 269 points and 288 rebounds.
The Hoops said Ebengo was in the process of moving to a club in France and that it had followed the required procedures to obtain permission for her to play in the Rwanda Cup.
According to the club, FERWABA initially granted the authorization, leading it to believe that Ebengo was eligible to participate.
However, when The Hoops faced REG Women BBC on September 27, Ebengo was again missing from the list of players cleared to play.
The situation resulted in the match not being played despite both teams arriving at Lycée de Kigali and warming up. The Hoops were subsequently handed a forfeit and decided to withdraw from the competition.
The withdrawal left REG Women BBC and APR Women BBC as the remaining teams in the competition. The two sides were scheduled to meet in the final on Wednesday, September 30, at Lycée de Kigali.
The winner of the Rwanda Cup is expected to qualify for the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Women’s Club Championship. REG had already secured its place in the regional competition after winning the 2026 Rwanda Basketball League title, meaning APR would also qualify regardless of the final result.
REG defeated The Hoops 4–0 in the 2026 league playoff final, with the final game ending 73–46 on August 26. The result secured REG’s third consecutive league title.
For The Hoops, the Rwanda Cup dispute comes after a strong domestic season in which the club reached the league final, with Ebengo playing a central role in its campaign.
The club said it hopes the concerns raised over the Rwanda Cup will contribute to improvements in the organization of future competitions, particularly through clearer regulations, greater transparency and consistent application of rules across teams and players.
