Rwanda announce preliminary squad for FIBA AfroBasket 2017
KIGALI (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Rwanda head coach Moise Mutokambali has revealed a 16-man preliminary list of locally based players ahead of the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 set for September 8-16 in Senegal
KIGALI (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Rwanda head coach Moise Mutokambali has revealed a 16-man preliminary list of locally based players ahead of the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 set for September 8-16 in Senegal and Tunisia.
The Rwandan tactician has included familiar names like dependable center Kami Kabange, forward Olivier Shyaka and captain Aristide Mugabe who will lead the cast for the East African nation at Africa's premier basketball competition.
On the provisional list too are upcoming players that have impressed in the domestic league like Sedar Sagamba and Walter Nkurunziza who inspired Patriots Basketball Club to the league title.
| Rwanda 16-player preliminary squad for FIBA AfroBasket 2017 | |||
| Steven Hagumintwari | Herve Icyishatse | Parfait Ishimwe | Kami Kabange |
| Elie Kaje | Ali Kubwimana | Aristide Mugabe | Eric Munyaneza |
| Dieudone Ndizeye | Jean Paul Ndoli | Pascal Niyonkuru | Bienvenu Niyonsaba |
| Walter Nkurunziza | Ali Ruzigande | Sedar Sagamba | Olivier Shyaka |
Nkurunziza and Parfait Ishimwe, graduates from the U18 side two years ago, will be looking to make their mark at senior team level.
"We have a good balance in the squad with a combination of experienced and young players but it is important for us to remain focused and to prepare well because FIBA AfroBasket is the biggest stage of basketball in Africa." - Mugabe
Rwanda will join residential camp next week with Mutokambali expected to lineup some friendly games in the lead up to the continental showpiece less than a month away.
"We want to do our very best. We know what to expect because we have been there. Tunisia, Guinea and Cameroon are good teams because by the time a team qualifies for this tournament then they deserve to be there," Mugabe told FIBA.basketball.
"We have a good balance in the squad with a combination of experienced and young players but it is important for us to remain focused and to prepare well because FIBA AfroBasket is the biggest stage of basketball in Africa."
Mutokambali is expected to announce the list of foreign-based players sooner than later as Rwanda look to make a decent return to the FIBA AfroBasket for the first time since 2013.
FIBA