Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Basketball Club is expected to start preparations for the playoffs of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2023 after the commemoration week.

From April 7 to 14, Rwandans observe a week commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed over one million lives.

During the week, sports and entertainment events are among social activities put on hold as people take time to reflect on the tragic past that shaped the country 29 year ago.

The BAL playoffs will get underway on May 21 through 27 at the BK Arena in Kigali, bringing together eight teams from different African countries.

REG is one of the clubs that already qualified for the playoffs after coming out in third position in the Sahara Conference that took place in Dakar, Senegal in March.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Times Sport on Wednesday, club president Emmanuel Yakaremye said some players are now on vacation but will return for training shortly after the commemoration.

"Currently, the players are on vacation but we plan to start preparations for the playoffs after the commemoration week," Yakaremye said in a telephone interview.

American players Cleveland Thomas, Delwan Graham, Adonis Filer and Ntore Habimana are expected to join camp on May 1.