RWANDA will intensify their preparations for next month’s FIBA Africa Nations Championship for men (Afrobasket) in Libya with a two-week training camp in Italy.

The Zone 5 runners up will depart on July 24 for Italy where they will spend two-weeks before connecting to Tripoli for their opening game against Morocco on August 5.

Rwanda, who made a historic debut in 2007 are seeded in Group D alongside Cape Verde, Morocco and Tunisia.

The event, which counts as Africa’s premier basketball competition will attract 16 countries from August 5-15.

The top three nations in the event will earn tickets to next year’s FIBA World Championships in Turkey.

Meanwhile, head coach Kavedzija Vaceslav has dropped four players from his provisional 17-man squad. The quartet includes Manga Kambuyu, Lionel Hakizimana, Christophe Wazayire and Gaylord Ndugu.

Rwanda’s leading trio of Mathieu Miller, Robert Thomson and Hamza Ruhezamihigo is expected to jet in before the team’s departure for Italy.

Players in camp; Elias Kayijuka, Karim Nkusi, Fiston Muhire, Kenny Gasana, Prosper Karangwa, Jonas Kayitankore, Kami Kabange, Michael Buzangu, Carlos Mugabo, Aboubacar Barame, Cameroun Bradley, Elibo Muhire, Amandin Rutayisire, Albert Rukundo, Manix Aurienthal, and Andre Mugwiza.

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