THE NATIONAL U-18 Boys’ team has what it takes to win the Zone 5 Afro-basketball tournament scheduled for May 10 to 15 in Kampala, Uganda. The Rwanda Basketball Federation(Ferwaba) Secretary General, Richard Mutabazi has said.

"I don’t see any reason why the boys’ team won’t win the tournament. They have had enough preparations and considering the talent in the team, we are optimistic they will lift the title,” Mutabazi told Saturday Sport this week before adding that it’s the girls’ inexperienced team that could find more challenges.

The two teams started training on April 14 and will be aiming at qualifying for the continental championships.

The Kampala tournament is meant to act as a qualifier for the Africa Nations Championships for U-18 men’s Afro-basket games in Madagascar and U-18 women event in Mali.

While the boys’ team has qualified for the continent event three times, the girl’s team will be looking for their 1st qualification.

Rwanda will battle for the top prize against Tanzania, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Burundi and hosts Uganda.

Boys’ team: Deo Amani, Gilbert Cyusa, Yannick Gihana, Pacifique Habyarimana, Fiston Irutingabo, Serge Kagame, Ian Mugabo, Edmond Mujyarugamba, Victor Mutabaruka, Diedonne Ndizeye Ndayisaba, Bienvenue Niyonsaba, Walter Nkurunziza, Yvan Axel Nshimiye Rwema, Bruno Nyamwasa, Raphael Nzitonda and Jean Marie Rukerimbere.

Girls: Ange Akimana, Angela Dusabirema, Gihozo, Marie Laurence Imanizabayo, Jean d’Arc Masengesho, Angelique Nyirashimiyimana, Nadine Rutagengwa, Emerance Tuyisenge, Jordan Odette Umuhoza, Justine Umuhoza, Martine Umuhoza, Better Umutoni, Nicole Urwibutso, Nicole Utamuliza, Christine Uwibambe, Sandrine Uwiduhaye and Pierrette.