Friday, September 6 Group C Rwanda Vs Morocco 5:30 pm The national men's U18 basketball team head coach Yves Murenzi has said that he and his boys traveled to South Africa with a common goal to win the FIBA AfroBasket championship and qualify for the 2025 World Cup which will take place in Switzerland. The team got off to a bright start, beating South Africa before their homes fan 82-64 in the opening game on Tuesday, and the boys want to build on the momentum when they return in action against Morocco at University of Pretoria on Friday, September 6. Weekend Sport’s Damas Sikubwabo, who is covering the tournament from South Africa, caught up with Murenzi, where he discussed the team’s targets and preparations for the tournament. Excerpts: You handled the senior national team before. Do you think that experience will in any way help you at the U18 AfroBasket? Drawing from my experience with the senior national team, I bring a deep understanding of high-level competition, strategic game plan, and player development to the U18 AfroBasket. Coaching at the senior level has honed my ability to manage pressure, adapt to tactics, and foster a winning mindset, all of which are crucial for guiding younger players through the rigors of an international tournament. ALSO READ: U18 Afrobasket: Kayijuka drops 25 points as Rwanda beat South Africa My experience will help in instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong team ethic in the U18 squad, setting them up for success on the continental stage. What does it mean for you to represent your country at a continental tournament? Representing my country at a continental tournament is an immense honor and a profound responsibility. It means carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation, showcasing our talent and spirit on a grand stage, and contributing to the growth and recognition of basketball in our country. It's about pride, unity, and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes. This experience is not just about winning games; it's about leaving a lasting legacy and making our country proud. What are the strengths that your team possesses enough to conquer the Afrobasket? Our team's strength lies in our commitment to playing hard, playing together, and staying disciplined and connected on the court. We pride ourselves on our relentless work ethic, always giving our best effort in every game. Our unity as a team ensures that we move and think as one unit, creating a strong sense of cohesion. Discipline is at the core of our approach, allowing us to stay focused and execute our game plan effectively. Most importantly, we remain connected, supporting each other both on and off the court, which has to drive our success as a team. Tell us about how you have prepared for this tournament. What key points do you think your team should focus on? Our plan for this tournament revolves around a strong emphasis on defense. We've structured our training and preparation to ensure that every player understands the critical role defense plays in winning championships. Defense is the backbone of our strategy, and we've been working tirelessly to refine our defensive schemes, communication, and overall intensity on that end of the floor. By focusing on defense, we aim to control the tempo of the game, force turnovers, and make it difficult for our opponents to score. If we can lock down on defense, it will set the foundation for our success in this tournament. What do you want to achieve at the U18 Afrobasket? Our primary goal is to win the championship and secure our place at the World Cup. We've been working hard to prepare for this moment, and our focus is on bringing the trophy home. Winning the championship would not only be a huge accomplishment for our team but also a significant milestone for our country's basketball program. Qualifying for the World Cup would give us the opportunity to compete on the global stage, furthering our development and showcasing our talent to the world.
