Today

Women

Ubumwe vs Berco Stars 6pm (Kimisagara)APR vs The Hoops 6pm (CSK)

Men

Espoir vs Muzinga 8pm (Kimisagara)CSK vs IPRC-Kigali 8pm (CSK)

Defending champions Espoir of Rwanda and last year’s finalists Muzinga of Burundi will today square off in the opening game of the regional Genocide memorial hoops tournament at Kimisagara youth centre courts, starting 8p.m.

Sixteen matches will be played over three days in the regional basketball Genocide memorial tournament that runs till Sunday at four different venues namely; Amahoro indoor stadium, Cercle Sportif de Kigali, Kimisagara Youth Centre, and College of Science and Technology courts.

Espoir and Muzinga are regarded as favourites in the tournament and tonight’s encounter should be an evenly contested affair. Last year, Espoir thrashed Muzinga 85-48 in the final to claim the men’s competition.

Speaking to Times Sport on Thursday, Espoir head coach Jean Bahufite said his players were in good mood and fine form, underlining his team’s desire to retain the crown.

"Muzinga are a very tough side as we have seen over the years, and I’m sure they are here for revenge (for last year’s defeat in the final), but we are well prepared and determined to successfully defend our title,” Bahufite warned.

A total of 12 teams, six in men’s and six in women’s category from Burundi, DR Congo and hosts Rwanda, will contest in the three-day-competition.

The teams have been drawn into four pools (two men’s and two women’s) and the best from each pool will qualify for Sunday’s finals.

In men’s tourney, Pool A includes; CSK, IPRC-Kigali and Congo’s PJB-Goma, while Pool B is made up of Espoir, Muzinga and ASB Mont Carmel of DR Congo.

In women’s category, Pool A comprises; Ubumwe, defending champions Belco Stars of Burundi and University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, whereas APR, The Hoops Rwanda and PJB-Goma from Congo make Pool B.

City Oilers and Warriors (men) of Uganda, KPA (men and women) and Equity Bank (women) of Kenya had confirmed their participation but pulled out at the last minute.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw