RWANDA international, Lennox Niyitegeka,  arrived in the country from France on Monday evening to boost the national U-18 basketball  team ahead of the upcoming FIBA Under-18 African championship set for July 22-31 at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

Niyitegeka who plays for French national basketball league side, Elan Chalon, was received at the airport by the national team head coach, Moise Mutokambali, and his family members. He’s supposed to start training with the team on Tuesday.

The provisional 15-player squad started intensive preparations on June 21 at Green Hills Academy and train regularly every day at Amahoro stadium.

For hosts to shine at the 10-day long continental showpiece, Rwanda will have to overcome stiff challenge from defending champions Egypt, the 2014 first runners-up Mali, North African giants of Tunisia and Algeria as well as basketball powerhouse,  Angola,  among other major contenders.

Niyitegeka becomes the sixth player to join the team from overseas after Sano Gasana, Gavin Mucyo, Chester Kayonga, Davis Bagire and Jesse Ntihemuka who all joined from the United States.

The 12 teams of the tournament

Egypt, Mali, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Angola, Tunisia, Algeria, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Burukina Faso and hosts Rwanda.

Team Rwanda in camp

Cadeau de Dieu Furaha, Patrick Nshizirungu, Paul Chris Ntihinda, Arnaud Nkusi, Emile Galois Kezeneza, Derrick Tumusiime, Osborn Shema, Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, Samuel Niyonshuti, Sano Gasana, Gavin Mucyo, Chester Kayonga, Davis Bagire, Enock Kisa Kyeune, Jesse Ntihemuka and Lennox Niyitegeka.