KIGALI (Rwanda) - The biennial FIBA U16 Women's African Championship is back with a lot of pomp and exciting innuendos that indicate towards an action packed tournament renewing old rivalries and a platform for debutants to leave their mark. 

In this article, you will find all the information you need to know about the eight-team competition that will take place in the Rwandan capital. 

Several rising stars making their premier appearance in national team colours will be on display showcasing their talent to the world in the next one week. 

Participating teams

Unlike the five participating teams at the 2017 edition in Beira, Mozambique, it makes for good reading that eight teams will compete in this year's competition including Angola, Egypt, reigning champions Mali, Mozambique, hosts Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. 

Mali, who have won all the five editions, three-time finalists Egypt and the 2017 silver medalists Angola will be competing in their sixth straight tournament while South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda are making their debut appearances. 

Tanzania head coach Edward Elias said, "Participating in this tournament means a lot to the players, coaches and the nation since it is the first time. Even to win a game will be huge for us. Getting a chance to continue what we started in 2016 when we lost all our games in the Zone 5 Qualifiers. We have hope now." 

Competition Format

The teams will be divided into two groups of four. The teams that finish as the bottom two of their groups will compete for the 5th to 8th place while the top two teams will advance to the Semi-Finals.  

When and Where will the tournament take place

The 3,000 seater Amahoro Indoor Stadium commonly known as Petit Stade located in the Kigali sports hub of Remera is the host venue of the continental showpiece that will commence on Sunday, July 28 through to Saturday, August 3.

What's at stake 

The winner and runners-up of the tournament will earn the right to represent Africa at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2020.

Reigning champions

There is no mincing words that Mali are the true African basketball princesses. They run things at this level having won five out of five editions. Mali are the team to beat. 

How to watch 

All games will be shown on FIBA's YouTube Channel. Click here. 

Hosts

Hosts Rwanda are making their second appearance at this tournament. 

Without a lot of experience at this level, Rwanda head coach Charles Mushumba is quick to admit that his side has their work cut out. 

 However, he believes that playing in front of family and friends will give his players a lot of confidence and encouragement to perform to their very best. 

"We have been preparing for this competition and have played some friendly games to help us correct our mistakes and get ready for the continental showpiece," Mushumba noted.  

"When you go to a competition like this, you want to play to the best of your abilities and it is possible to go all the way to the final if you play well."

Can Mali retain their title or will former finalists Angola and Egypt end their jinxes against the powerful and dominant West Africans?

Let the games begin in Kigali! 

FIBA