Egypt withdraw from Zone 5 championship

EGYPT will not defend their Zone 5 basketball championship title after pulling out of the competition slated to run from February 7-12 in Kigali. According to Rwanda’s basketball federation Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo, the North Africans withdrew because of the on-going political unrest in Cairo.

Friday, February 04, 2011
Fiston Muhire (R) is part of Rwandau2019s provisional team for the Zone 5 basketball championship. (File photo)

EGYPT will not defend their Zone 5 basketball championship title after pulling out of the competition slated to run from February 7-12 in Kigali.

According to Rwanda’s basketball federation Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo, the North Africans withdrew because of the on-going political unrest in Cairo.

"Egypt requested to have the tournament postponed but it is a little too late for that so they will not be coming,” Mugabo confirmed.

Following their withdraw, Rwanda are now favourites to win the tournament which also doubles as a qualifier for the 10th All Africa Games scheduled for September in Maputo, Mozambique.

The winner in both categories; men and women will qualify for the Games.

Participating teams
Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda (men)
Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda (women)

Ends