Rwanda’s power forward Kami Kabange seen against Nigeria in the previous qualification window held in Lagos in September.
Rwanda national basketball senior team head coach Vladimir Bosnjak has summoned a provisional squad of 23 players to start preparations for the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers.
The final and sixth window of second round of qualifiers in Group F will be held from February 22-24, 2019.
According to a communication from Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA), signed by Vice President Nyirishema Richard, the Rwandan Men’s Senior Hoops will start control practices on Boxing Day at Petit Stade Amahoro.
Bosnjak who will be assisted by Mwiseneza Maxime and Nkusi Karim as assistant coaches summoned the squad which is comprised of four point guards namely; Sagamba Sedar (Patriots), Kubwimana Kazingufu Ali (REG), Nshobozwabyosenumukiza J.J Wilson (REG) and Iyakaremye Emmanuel (APR).
The guards and forwards include; Ndizeye Dieudonne (Patriots),Hagumintwari Steven (Patriots), Ishimwe Didier (Patriots), Nkurunziza Chris Walter (REG), Kazeneza Emile Galois (Espoir), Nkundwa Thierry (Espoir), Niyonkuru Pascal (APR), Irutingabo Fiston (IPRC Kigali) and Manzi Dan.
The Power forwards and Centers summoned include; Ruzigande Ally (Patriots), Kaje Elie (REG), Kami Kabange (REG), Shyaka Olivier (REG), Habineza Shaffi (Espoir), Kamilindi Olivier (Espoir), Niyonsaba Bienvenu (APR), Mugiraneza Fabrice (APR), Kamanzi Olivier (IPRC Kigali) and Niyibizi Theo (UGB).
The national basketball team registered a disappointed winless campaign during the second round – fourth window – games which were held in September in Lagos, Nigeria.
Rwanda had reached this stage after defeating Uganda and Mali in July to progress to the second round as Group B first runners-up, behind leaders Nigeria.
With the performance, Rwanda and Mali who are tied on fifth place on 12 points in nine matches played can’t proceed to the World Cup finals in China.
Nigeria has already qualified to the World Cup finals after securing 18 points. Senegal, Central African Republic (CAR) and Cote d’Ivoire will be vying for the remaining two slots which are up for grabs for the African teams.
Besides Rwanda and Mali, there is also no hope for Egypt, Morocco and Chad to make it to the finals.
One African side who can still qualify is Cameroon, who finished third in Group E and will secure a spot in the World Cup if the third-placed team in Group F has a worse record.
Cameroon will stage the final qualifiers in February 2019. Senegal will also secure a spot at the World Cup with a win or if Cote d’Ivoire loses at least one of their last three games. Cote d’Ivoire and the Central Africa Republic are also still in contention for a ticket to China.
Following the fifth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers, 17 teams now know they will join hosts China at the first-ever 32-team edition of basketball’s biggest competition. That means 14 spots are still on offer and will be filled in the sixth and final window of the Qualifiers, in February 2019.
Continental champions Tunisia, Nigeria and Angola are the only African countries to qualify for the World Cup.
Other teams that have qualified for the 2019 finals are New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina, the U.S., Venezuela, Canada, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Lithuania, France, Czech Republic, Greece and Germany.
Rwanda Hoops Provisional Squad:
Point Guards: Sagamba Sedar (Patriots), Kubwimana Kazingufu Ali (REG), Nshobozwabyosenumukiza J.J Wilson (REG) and Iyakaremye Emmanuel (APR)
Guards & Forwards: Ndizeye Dieudonne (Patriots),Hagumintwari Steven (Patriots), Ishimwe Didier (Patriots), Nkurunziza Chris Walter (REG), Kazeneza Emile Galois (Espoir), Nkundwa Thierry (Espoir), Niyonkuru Pascal (APR), Irutingabo Fiston (IPRC Kigali) and Manzi Dan.
Power forwards & Centers: Ruzigande Ally (Patriots), Kaje Elie (REG), Kami Kabange (REG), Shyaka Olivier (REG), Habineza Shaffi (Espoir), Kamilindi Olivier (Espoir), Niyonsaba Bienvenu (APR), Mugiraneza Fabrice (APR), Kamanzi Olivier (IPRC Kigali) and Niyibizi Theo (UGB).
Friday, February 22, 2019
Rwanda vs Senegal
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Cote d’Ivoire vs Rwanda
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Central Africa Republic vs Rwanda
