The Zone 5 defending champions Egypt are expected to jet in this afternoon, two days before the highly billed 2009 Afro-basket qualifiers rolls off. The qualifiers, to be staged at Kigali’s newly refurbished indoor stadium will run from February 23-1 March.

Egypt claimed the 2007 Zone V title after a clean sweep in the round robin tournament. With their vast experience, technique, speed and outstanding game reading, the North African giants found no major obstacle on their way to lifting the title. Rwanda was their only meaningful bet after struggling to a 87-74 victory against the hosts.

During the one-week show piece, Egypt will be residing at La Palisse. Apart from Kenya, who are scheduled to jet in on Monday, all the other teams are expected to arrive this Sunday. Meanwhile, Kavedzija Vaceslave is expected to name his final team for the qualifiers today.

The Croat who has been handling both the men and women sides will choose his final twelve players in both sides today. It is also said that it will not be an easy task because all players have been outstanding during the training sessions.

One Ferwaba official who preferred anonymity said, "I think it will be a bit tricky for him because the guys have all been playing well.”

After the qualifiers, the top side will automatically progress to this year’s Afro-basket competition in Libya. The Afro-basket tournament is the most coveted basketball event on the continent.

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