Juruni Departs Kepler Basketball Club with Pride After Three-Year Stint

Mandy Juruni, a highly respected figure in East African basketball, has ended his three-year journey with the Rwandan club Kepler Basketball Club. The departure, confirmed by Kepler on Monday through a social media statement, marks the end of a significant chapter for the Ugandan coach.

Juruni, who previously led City Oilers to nine consecutive National Basketball League titles in Uganda, sought a new challenge by joining Kepler. Unlike his previous role with a dominant team, Juruni embraced the opportunity to develop a young, ambitious club and guide its growth within Rwandan basketball.

Reflecting on his time in Kigali, Juruni expressed contentment and fond memories. “My time at Kepler was great,” he told the Daily Monitor. “It was good to see a lot of these young boys grow into men, working hard every day, going out to battle with them.”

Beyond the wins and losses, Juruni emphasized player and club development as his most significant achievement at Kepler. The experience also pushed him to adapt and evolve as a coach, learning new cultures, work ethics, and coaching styles. “Personally, I have grown as a coach,” he stated. “I moved from coaching a championship team in Uganda, coaching in the BAL, to now coaching a young team that wanted to grow, and you learn a lot doing that.”

Juruni’s move to Rwanda was considered a major coaching transfer in the region. After over a decade of success with City Oilers, his transition to a rebuilding project at Kepler proved to be a valuable learning experience, shaping him as a leader and coach.

Morgan Juruni is expected to increase his involvement with Uganda’s national team, the Silverbacks, as they prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers. He also plans to spend more time with his family before considering his next career move.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/basketball/juruni-leaves-kepler-with-his-heart-full-5492650