Rwanda U-19 handball team coach Anaclet Bagirishya has named a 16-man provisional squad that he will use during two buildup matches against neighbors Burundi on April 1 and 2 as part of the pair’s preparations for the upcoming 2023 IHF Men's Youth (U19) World Championship that will take place in Croatia from August 2-13.

The team starts training on Wednesday, March 29, and will be having sessions every day at Tapis Rouge ground in Nyamirambo.

Bagirishya hopes to get the best out of the upcoming warm-up matches as his team looks to intensify their preparations for the Men’s U19 World Championship.

Rwanda was pooled in Group A alongside Portugal, Croatia and Algeria.

Rwanda and Burundi will be making their debut in the tournament after they secured their first-ever medals during the 2022 African Men's Youth Handball Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30 August to 6 September 2022.

The pair is among four countries that will represent Africa at the 2023 Men's Youth World Handball Championship alongside Egypt and Morocco.

Egypt secured the continental title after beating hosts Rwanda 51–29 in the final while Morocco defeated Burundi 41–34 to claim the bronze medal.

Provisional Squad:

Arsene Uwayezu, Musa Ufitenema, Peter Kwisanga, Samuel Mbesutunguwe, Karim Niyonkuru, Elysee Muhurure, Jean-Pierre Ndayishimiye, Dieudonne Hakizimana, Isae Izabayo, Albert Musoni, Fred Nshyimuremyi, Andre Akayezu, Stephen Bavandimwe, Yves Kayijamahe, Aime Vedaste Niyoyita and Donath Nshimyumukiza.