Ugandan coach Mandy Juruni officially parted ways with Rwandan side Kepler Basketball Club on Monday, bringing an end to a memorable three-year spell with the Kigali-based outfit.
Kepler confirmed the development on Monday through a ‘Thank You’ statement, which was posted on all their social media channels.
The departure closes a significant chapter in Juruni’s coaching career, one that challenged him to step outside his comfort zone after years of success at City Oilers.
Having guided the Oilers to nine consecutive National Basketball League titles and established himself as one of the region’s most respected coaches, Juruni arrived at Kepler seeking a different experience.
Rather than taking charge of an established championship contender, he joined a young and ambitious project that was still finding its footing in Rwandan basketball.
Looking back, the former Oilers tactician says he leaves with fond memories and a sense of fulfilment.
‘My time at Kepler was great. It was good to see a lot of these young boys grow into men, working hard every day, going out to battle with them,’ Juruni told Daily Monitor.
‘We had some good memories, winning some big games and some bad games, but overall it was great. The organization was very supportive,’ he added.
While trophies often define coaching careers, Juruni believes his greatest achievement at Kepler was witnessing the growth of both the players and the club.
The experience also forced him to adapt and evolve as a coach.
‘Personally, I have grown as a coach. 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,’ he explained.
‘It has shaped me, made me think hard, be creative and be patient. It was a great experience coaching away from my comfort in Uganda to now really working hard and learning cultures, work ethics and different styles.’
Biggest
Juruni’s move to Rwanda was seen as one of the biggest coaching transfers in East African basketball at the time.
After spending over a decade building a winning culture at City Oilers and helping the club compete on the continental stage, many wondered how he would adapt to a rebuilding project.
Three years later, he leaves convinced the move was worthwhile.
Beyond the results on the court, the stint offered him valuable lessons in leadership, player development and cultural adaptation-qualities that could prove vital in the next phase of his career.
For now, however, Juruni’s immediate focus lies elsewhere.
The veteran coach is expected to be heavily involved with Uganda’s men’s national basketball team, the Silverbacks, who are set to hold a 10-day training camp in Kigali ahead of the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
Juruni took charge of Uganda’s first window of qualifiers following the unavailability of head coach Goran Lojo.
‘In the immediate time, I am going to spend more time with family. They have missed me fully for three years,’ Juruni said.
‘I will continue working with the national team, help at home with my beloved team (City Oilers) as I wait for the next opportunity. My people are working hard for that.’
With his Kepler chapter now closed, Juruni returns to familiar surroundings carrying fresh experiences and a broader perspective of the game.
Whether his next destination is another club project, a larger role with the Silverbacks or a new challenge elsewhere on the continent, the 47-year-old leaves Rwanda proud of the journey and grateful for the lessons learned.
For a coach whose career has largely been defined by championships, his greatest takeaway from Kepler may not be found in silverware, but in the growth, resilience and relationships built along the way.