Today: Men

Espoir vs UGB 6pmPatriots vs UR-CASSIPRC-Kigali vs APR 8pm

Women

UR-CASS vs IPRC-South 6pm

Saturday: Men

Espoir vs IPRC-South 11amUR-CASS vs APR 1pmPatriots vs IPRC- Kigali 3pm

Women

UR-CASS vs APR 11am

Four-time reigning national league champions Espoir start their title defence against United Generation Basketball (UGB) on Friday evening at Amahoro indoor stadium.

Fresh from finishing third at the 21st FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championship in Kigali, the Nyamirambo-based Espoir, however face a bigger challenge from the likes of Patriots, APR and youthful side IPRC-South.

Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday, Espoir trainer Jean Bahufite said his side is in an upbeat mood for their title defense.

"We have had intensive training for the past few weeks, so there is no doubt about our preparedness.

As defending champions, everyone will be targeting us, we have to be focused and I have full faith in my players to successfully defend the title,” Bahufite said.

Asked if the departure of senior players Aristide Mugabe and Elie Kaje won’t diminish his team’s chances, he said, "We’ve acted swiftly and replaced them.”

He confirmed the club has signed Pascal Niyonkuru from APR and Emile Uwiringiyimana from UR- College of Education.

Elsewhere today, title hopefuls Patriots take on UR- College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR-CASS) at NPC gymnasium at 6pm while IPRC-Kigali will be up against Cliff Owuor’s APR at 8pm at Amahoro indoor stadium.

Ten teams in total, seven male and three women’s are competing in the pre-season tournament that precedes the league start which is slated for November 27.

Teams:

Pool A: Espoir, IPRC-South and UGBPool B: Patriots, UR-CASS, IPRC-Kigali and APRWomen: APR, UR-CASS and IPRC-South

editorial@newtimes.co.rw