Rwandan national basketball team captain Hamza Ruhezamihigo has been appointed on the coaching staff for the under-18 national basketball team.

The development was revealed on Wednesday by the Rwanda Basketball Federation secretary general Richard Mutabazi.  

He also confirmed that Ruhezamihigo will work hand in hand with Cyrille Kalima and Jacques Bahige, who have more coaching experience.

"We sought assistance from Ruhezamihigo to coach the U-18 national team which is preparing for the Zone 5 championships due to take place in Uganda later this year,” Mutabazi told Times Sport.

The official added, "He will work with two other coaches, who have been in charge of the team, we believe the trio will produce a winning team. He (Ruhezamihigo) has worked with youth team in Canada, so it’s not as if this is his first time into coaching.” 

However, Mutabazi did not confirm whether the new appointment means Ruhezamihigo has retired from active playing for both club and national team.

Ruhezamihigo made his debut for the national team in 2007 and went on play in three Fiba Afrobasket Championships for Men as well as two Zone V championships.

He remains one of the most popular Rwandan basketball players.  The 28-year-old was born in Burundi to Rwandan parents, but also holds Canadian nationality.