With three weeks to go, East African giants have already started confirming their participation at the forthcoming FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championship slated for October 4-11 in Kigali.

By press time, seven teams, four men and three women's teams had already confirmed but local basketball federation (FERWABA) was waiting for more confirmations as the deadline draws closer.

"So far only seven foreign sides plus four from here have confirmed they will compete. We are waiting for more confirmations before the September 17 deadline (today). Preparations for the competition are going on well. It is going to be a highly competitive and entertaining tournament," FERWABA technical director, Didier Shema Maboko told Times Sport.

He further explained that for a team to participate in the annual regional show, they have to confirm to World Basketball Governing Body (FIBA) and then FIBA notifies the hosts.

Hosts Rwanda will be represented by four teams, two in each gender and FERWABA has tipped local sides to shine.

The weeklong regional competition will also serve as qualifiers for the African Championships slated for November (men) and December in the women's category in Angola.

Confirmed participants

Men: Ulinzi (Kenya), Muzinga (Burundi), Espoir (Rwanda), Cercle Sportif de Kigali (Rwanda) as well as City Oilers and Tiger Head Power of Uganda.

Women: Les Gazelles (Burundi), Kampala City Council (Uganda), Uganda Christian University (Uganda), APR (Rwanda), Ubumwe (Rwanda).