The national U-18 boys’ basketball team plans to play build-up matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2022 FIBA Africa U18 Championship scheduled to take place in Madagascar from August 4-14.

The team earned its ticket to the continental showpiece after putting up an impressive performance in regional qualifiers that unfolded in Kampala, Uganda last month, where they topped the mini-competition that also attracted neighbouring countries including Uganda and Tanzania.

In an interview with Times Sport on Wednesday, July 16, Landry Jabo the Executive Director at the Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) confirmed that the team is searching for friendly matches prior to the continental tournament.

"We are looking for friendly matches with countries including Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey before we go for the tournament,” he said.

In addition to this, the team also hopes to play friendly games with some local clubs.

Yves Murenzi, the head coach of the team, told Times Sport that they plan to play against Kigali Titans, Patriots and IPRC-Kigali.

The team started a non-residential camp last week at Green Hills Academy and they expect to enter camp this month.