KIGALI (FIBA U16 African Championship 2017) – Rwanda U16 men’s team will be looking to defend their regional title at the upcoming FIBA U16 African 2017 Zone 5 Championship in Mombasa, Kenya from June 1-6.

The regional tournament that will attract three nations including neighbours Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda will see the winner qualify for the FIBA U16 African Championship from July 13-22 in Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius.

In 2015, Rwanda overcame Ethiopia over two legs in Kigali 121-119 on aggregate to make their debut at the continental youth showdown in Mali.

Back then, Rwanda lost their opening game against Ethiopia 52-67 before overturning the deficit and winning the second game 69-52 in a rather thrilling encounter that set the pace for a dream come true for the teenagers. 

The core of this team formed the Rwandan side that played at the FIBA U18 African Championship in Kigali last year. The hosts came in Fifth-Place, their best-ever finish in the competition.

It is this consistency to groom the next generation of basketball youngsters in Rwanda that will be the threshold of their motivation to retain their title when they feature at the Mombasa showpiece.

FIBA