RWANDA will bid for the 2013 FIBA-Africa basketball championship.

The local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo yesterday said, "We are very interested and have started lobbying.”

"Fiba-Africa is aware and we hope we shall succeed.”

The host for the next edition will be decided at the end of this year’s edition in Madagascar. In 2009, Rwanda hosted their first ever Afrobasket competition and will hope to build on that if they win the 2013 bid.

Ivory Coast is also in the race but Ferwaba boss Lt. Eric Ssalongo, who played a crucial role in swaying Fiba-Africa in 2007, is confident about Rwanda’s chances.

Meanwhile, the hoops have stepped up their preparations ahead of next month’s 26th FIBA Africa Championship due in Madagascar from August 17-28.

The winners of the 2011 Afrobasket tournament will represent Africa at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

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