Rwanda qualifies for 3x3 Afro-basket Championships

Sunday: Final Rwanda 21-17 Egypt Preliminaries Rwanda 13-14 EgyptEgypt 22-13 South SudanRwanda 21-9 South Sudan Rwanda men’s team defeated their Egyptian counterparts 21-17 to win the first 3x3 FIBA Africa Zone V Championships and consequently booked a slot at this year’s Afro-Basket 3x3 Championship finals later in December in Angola. The 3x3 version of basketball also dubbed ‘street basketball’ which is currently being promoted by the World Basketball Governing Body (FIBA), was started in 2010 as a way of teaching game basics, saving time and resources. Unlike normal basketball, each team comprises of four players, three on the starting line-up and one substitute. The game lasts for ten minutes and if one team scores 21 points, the game ends even if the 10 minutes are not over yet. Team Rwanda made up of Kami Kabange, Elie Kaje, Olivier Shyaka and Ally Kubwimana Kazingufu lost 14-13 to Egypt in the preliminary round but thrashed South Sudan 21-9 to reach the final where they revenged against Egypt to emerge champions. Patriots BBC point-guard Ally Kubwimana won the three-pointer shooting contest. In women’s category, Team Rwanda that included Rosine Micomyiza, Nicole Urwibutso, Joselyne Munyaneza and Charlotte Umugwaneza qualified without dropping a sweat after the other countries failed to send teams. The one-day tournament was held on Sunday at Amahoro indoor stadium, a day after the climax of the 21st FIBA Zone V Club Championships that was won by Egyptian club, Gezira (men) while Berco Stars of Burundi took the women’s title. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwanda qualifies for 3x3 Afro-basket Championships