NBA superstar, Kawhi Leonard has today, August 2, 2025, made a powerful impact off the court by unveiling three brand new basketball courts in Kigali, Rwanda.
Situated at St. Ignatius school in Kibagabaga, a Kigali suburb, the courts were built in partnership with Giants of Africa as part of its initiative to boost basketball on the continent.
According to Sarah Zeinab Chan, South Sudanese former professional basketball player and lead scout in Africa for NBA’s (National Basketball Association) Toronto Raptors, the courts make 43, out of 100 that are to be built by GOA.
Speaking during the event, two-time NBA champion, and mastermind behind the courts design, urged the ‘campers’ to stay focused, play hard and give the game their ‘whole’.
“When you get to the ‘three-throw line’, just take a deep breath and be great, even when things are not going your way,” stressed Kawhi.
Hon Nelly Mukazayire, the Minister of Sports in Rwanda, echoed similar sentiments to the young athletes, encouraging them to ‘start now’.
“To the young people here, my message is simple. You are never too young to be responsible, nor a part of it. The future starts with you,” she remarked.
Mukazayire further appealed to the ‘youngsters’ to take pride in who they are and where they come from-Africa, stating that, “Giants of Africa is a statement that Africa is present, rising and can do it.”
Since its inception in Rwanda in 2022, the GOA initiative has constructed ten outdoor basketball courts in Rwanda. These include Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo, two at Agahozo-Shalom Youth village, one in Kimisagara, Rubavu, among others.
According to Masai Ujiri, the founder GOA, basketball can change lives. “We want young people to dream big and know that anything is possible.”
Photo Credit: Giants of Africa
