ESPOIR BASKETBALL CLUB has started preparations for the Zone V-ball Club  Champions slated for August 25 to 31 at the KPA Makande Hall in Mombasa, Kenya.

Head coach Jean Bahufite said he is happy with how the players are responding and he has challenged his players to reproduce the winning form at the continental level.

"We have been doing well in the trainings, which is a good sign for me; I hope we will go there with strong character and mentality of winning the trophy because last time we lost it in bad way,” he told Saturday Sport.

He added, "This time we want to make sure that we reach the final again and win the tournament. We have a winning team and I am confident we can maintain our winning streak at the Zone V Club Champions Cup.” 

League reigning champions Espoir and APR women basketball clubs will represent Rwanda at this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone Five club championships.

Burundi’s Urunani BBC won the title after beating Espoir in the final last year in men’s category, while Eagle Wings are the holders of the women’s title.

The champions in women and men’s category from Burundi Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda will compete in the week-long tournament.