Players representing Rwanda at the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2024 have vowed to play for national pride. The tournament will take place in Antananarivo, Madagascar from November 29 to December 1.

ALSO READ: Rwanda ready for FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2024-Mutokambali

Lead by head coach Moise Mutokambali, both men and women teams departed for Madagascar on Wednesday night, November 27, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

Stakes are high ahead of the competition and Rwanda men’s team skipper Olivier Turatsinze is optimistic that a podium finish is all that he and his teammates are targeting.

"We will give ourselves the strength to perform well. And this is why we are required to embark on extraordinary preparation,” Turatsinze told Times Sport.

Meanwhile, Faustine Mwizerwa is part of the final four-woman roster that Mutokambali selected for the continental women’s 3x3 basketball team.

Before departing Kigali for the competition, Mwizerwa said, "We are going to play like a team, not as individuals. Our aim is to make the country proud. I believe we have the ability to win the tournament.”

ALSO READ: Rwanda wins Bronze at FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2022

The last time Rwanda participated in the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup was in 2022 in Cairo, Egypt, where they won bronze—their first ever medal in the competition—after beating Tunisia 21-17 in the third place match.

Final roster

Men

Olivier Turatsinze, Patrick Ngabonziza, Justin Uwitonze and Chandelier Cyiza.

Women

Jane Dusabe, Nelly Akariza, Violette Uwimpuhwe and Faustine Mwizerwa.