Espoir have everything to play for today when they host Rusizi at Rafiki in one of this weekend’s national basketball league fixtures.

The 2004 champions currently trail CSK A and APR after suffering a humiliating 42-81 defeat against the latter two weeks ago.

However, after leading the club to compelling victories against Basketball United Generation (UGB) and Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), Espoir will again look for inspiration from their shooting guard Claude Bizimungu.

And despite a lukewarm display against KIE, Valery Uwineza, arguably one of the most experienced players in the league is confident is team can deliver.

"Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t but hopefully, we shall have a positive result against Rusizi," Uwineza said before conceding, "Rusizi are a good side and we should expect a big fight from them".

On the other hand, Rusizi who had an imposing league debut last year after reaching the play-offs are also looking to carry on with that form when they open their 2008 campaign today.

The southern province club had last Sunday’s league tie against defending champions Marine called off.

At Amahoro, a tough contest is anticipated as UGB face KIE.

The two clubs are yet to win a league game in the 2008 campaign which explains why they are currently clogged at the foot of the league table.

A good result for UGB today will be good motivation for them when they host Rusizi Lycee de Kigali tomorrow.

Ends