The U-18 men’s national basketball team that is preparing for the FIBA U-18 African Championships has been boosted by the addition of four foreign-based players ahead of the tournament.

The continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from September 1-14 in Johannesburg, South Africa, attracting a dozen national teams from across Africa.

Rwanda qualified for the competition after finishing second in the Zone V regional tournament which took place in Uganda in June.

Speaking to Times Sport, Yves Murenzi, the head coach of the U-18 men’s national team, said four foreign-based players including former U-16 captain Sean Mwesigwa, are expected to join the team’s camp soon.

The others are Jayden Rushema (US-based) and Dlyan Kayijuka (Canade-based), and Christian Iranzi (US-based).

The team is currently holding training sessions at Lycee de Kigali Gymnasium, and according to Murenzi they are working on improving various aspects of their game especially defensively.

"In the Zone V held in Uganda, we conceded many rebounds. In this upcoming tournament want to play tough. We are working hard on defence and rebounding because we will face very strong teams,” he noted.

Provision Squad:

Plamedie Bizimana, Ivan Mugabo, Gabriel Ndoba, Juru Cedric Ntigurirwa, Jonas Singiza, Darcy Minega, Lucky Nziza, Dlyan Kayijuka, Larry Harper Shyaka Gisa, Christian Iranzi, Jean Baptiste Murangwa, Sean Mwesigwa, Joseph Nshimiye, Ken Seka, Hilar Iradukunda, Bruce Iradukunda and Jayden Rushema.